March 1 is celebrated by schools and cultural societies throughout Wales. It is the custom on this day to wear either a leek or a daffodil - two of the national emblems - and for young girls to wear the national costume. The whole country is in a festive mood on St David?s Day.

The First Minister for Wales, the Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan sent a message to all Welsh people to mark the Day: "As part of our own arrangements to mark St David's Day this year we are organising a number of events overseas, including Brussels, New York and Dubai. In London we will host an event for the overseas diplomatic corps and journalists to encourage more people to visit Wales and see how we are turning our vision for the future into a reality. But we would also encourage your help in spreading the word about Wales and all it has to offer."

Saint David, or Dewi Sant, as he is known in the Welsh language, is the patron saint of Wales. He was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop, who lived in the sixth century. During his life, he was the archbishop of Wales, and he was one of many early saints who helped to spread Christianity among the pagan Celtic tribes of western Britain.

'Do the little things' ('Gwnewch y pethau bychain') is a very well known phrase in Welsh, and has proved an inspiration to many. According to his biography, these were the last words he said to his followers a few days before his death.