As April 23 approaches, England gears up to celebrate St George’s Day, an annual occasion dedicated to the country’s patron saint.
This year, St George’s Day falls on April 23, 2024, commemorating the death of St George, the patron saint of England. Legend has it that St George was tortured and executed in Palestine around AD 303.
St George’s Day was once a national holiday in England, established in the early 15th century. However, the tradition waned following the union with Scotland in the late 18th century.
Traditionally, schools across England engage students in learning about the history and significance of St George’s Day, often encouraging them to dress up for the occasion.
Throughout the country, various events and festivities take place to honor St George. Local businesses, pubs, and communities adorn their establishments with decorations such as bunting and flags, prominently featuring the iconic England flag.
But who was St George? Legend portrays him as a heroic figure who famously slew a dragon, saving a town and a princess. According to tradition, St George offered to vanquish the dragon on the condition that the town converted to Christianity. However, historical evidence suggests that the “real” St George lived in Palestine during the third century. He served as a soldier in the Roman army and was ultimately executed for his Christian beliefs.
In addition to being the patron saint of England, St George is also revered as the patron saint of Georgia and the Russian city of Moscow.
As St George’s Day approaches, communities across England are poised to come together to honor their patron saint and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and history of the nation.
