St Piran's Day is the national day of Cornwall, a tradition inspired by legend which takes place on March 5 every year.
But have you ever wondered about the origins and meaning of the annual celebration?
For those who love history and a good story, the reason behind St Piran's Day will absolutely fascinate you.
Here's your guide to St Piran's Day with some helpful Cornish phrases and translations at the end.
Why do we celebrate St Piran's Day? Who was St Piran?
St Piran was the patron saint of tin and the holiday began as a celebration observed only by tin miners.
Legend tells of Piran’s arrival in Cornwall from Ireland during the 5th century.
After a disagreement with King Aengus of Munster, Piran was tied to a millstone and thrown off the Irish cliffs into a stormy sea.
The sea became calm and the millstone miraculously floated and brought him to Cornwall, where he washed up on Perranporth beach.
He spoke only Irish and the locals spoke only Cornish but he still gathered disciples. A badger, a fox and a boar were his first disciples, according to legend.
Read more:
Links between St Piran and Cornwall's national flag
One evening, followers had gathered around a fire to listen to Piran when he saw a rock glowing. He hit it with his staff and silver liquid poured out in the form of a cross. The silver liquid was tin.
This white cross on a black background became the St Piran’s Flag, an emblem of the Cornish tinners and the Cornish national flag.
What is St Piran's Day in Cornish?
St Piran's Day is Gool Peran in Cornish.
If you want to share your well wishes, “Happy St Piran's Day” is “Gool Peran Lowen” in Cornish.
St Piran's Day traditions
St Piran's Day is dedicated to enjoying all things Cornish - from pasties to cream teas and saffon cake - with many people choosing to wear the colours of black, white and gold or wave flags.
There are lots of activities taking place in 2022 - including parades, farmers markets featuring local, independent produce and live music as well as an evening lantern procession.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here