Saint George's Day

St George's Day commemorates St George, the patron saint of England.

History of Saint George's Day

Everyone is impressed by the great story of the knight, named Saint George, and his unforgettable battle against a dragon. Saint George is the patron saint of England and his emblem is a red cross on a white background - the same Red Cross is incorporated into the flag of England. His coat of arms was given by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century and was worn by the king's soldiers in battle.

Saint George was born in present-day Turkey. Following in his father's footsteps, he became a soldier and quickly joined the ranks of the Roman army, eventually becoming Emperor Diocletian's personal bodyguard. When receiving the order to persecute Christians, Saint George refused to do this orders and participate in it. He was tortured and executed and buried in A.D 303 in Palestine.

The story of Saint George slaying a dragon is well known. The town of Silene has been taken over by a dragon. Locals will make human sacrifices to the dragon every day. When Saint George visited the town, a princess was chosen for the sacrifice. As the result, the dragon was killed to save the princess and the people of Silene as well. To show their gratitude, the locals converted to Christianity.

The celebration of Saint George's Day is on par with Christmas for a time. But the excitement dwindled towards the end of the 18th century when England reunited with Scotland on May 1, 1707. The holiday has gained traction in recent years, with campaigns and petitions turning this day are a public holiday in the UK. Saint George is also the patron saint of other countries such as Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria, Ethiopia and Russia. In addition to Saint George's Day, several other holidays are dedicated to him, including April 23 and several holidays in November and December.

Some truths about St George's Day

St George was born around 280 in what is now Turkey. To become an Emperor Diocletian's personal bodyguard, he had made effort to pass through the ranks of the Roman army. Because of being a Christian, he was executed on April 23rd, 303, and was buried in the Israeli town of Lod.

Do you know that St George is famous at slaying a dragon? According to legend, the town of Silene had the only well with a dragon’s guardian. To obtain water, the inhabitants of the town had to make daily human sacrifices to the dragon. The person who will sacrifice is chosen by many. On the day that St George visited, a princess was chosen to be sacrificed. He slayed the dragon to save the princess and found the water source for the people of Silene. In gratitude, they converted to Christianity. The dragon is thought to represent a type of belief that includes human sacrifice.

St George's Day has been celebrated widely. But the celebrations waned in the late 18th century after England's reunification with Scotland on 1st May 1707. In more recent times there has been a push, involving campaigns and initiatives petition, to make the day a holiday in the UK.

St George protected for Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Portugal and Russia. In some regions of Canada and among the Gorani, people still honor St. George's Day. St George is dedicated to several days, including April 23rd and the days of November and December according to the Gregorian calendar in the world.

Symbol

The cross of St. George is considered as the symbol of St George's Day. This is a red cross on a white background, usually displayed as a flag. It is used as the national flag of Great Britain, forming part of the Union Jack, the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. George's Cross was originally the flag of the Republic of Genoa at sea. Around 1190, the Doge of Genoa was hired to guard the original ships from the city of London and the rest of England sailing in the Mediterranean.

St George's cross is used as part of their uniform during the crusades of the 1100s and 1200s. During some centuries, it was the official flag of England, however, the Union Flag, a combination of St George's cross, St Andrew's cross and St Patrick's cross, is the national flag of Great Britain. At present, Saint George's cross becomes an official symbol of England, rugby and cricket teams. At international matches, this cross-shaped flag and scarf is worn and people draw it on their faces, which is located in a prominent place in London and the flags of Barcelona, ​​Spain and Georgia as well.

How to celebrate St George's Day

• Wear a rose

Why red roses? According to legend, Saint George had given the princess a red rose after saving her from a notorious dragon. He is the ultimate dream boat.

• Flag (English)

It is not Union Jack. Try the British St George's Cross instead! There are not many chances for the British flag to fly these days, therefore, take your chance on St George's Day.

• Heading to the capital

Every city in the UK has its own St George's Day festivities, but the main event takes place in London. With countless pubs (all flying British flags), parades, shops and huge fireworks displays, London is the place to be on these most British holidays.