For someone who is British through and through, I was surprised to find out how little I really know about the Patron Saint of England, Saint George. I must admit that I've never really remembered the date, I don't know how we celebrate the occasion, and I most certainly didn't realise that a large number of other countries also worship the same Saint George: Aragon, Catalonia, Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Portugal, Russia and Palestine, the list goes on and on.
Contrary to belief, George was actually born in Turkey to devout Christian parents back in the 4th century. In his adult life, he became a brave Roman solider, serving under a strict, Pagan leader. It was whilst devoting himself to his soldier duties that he made the decision to stand up to his Pagan predecessors regarding their inhumane torture of local Christians. It was this selfless act of bravery in his quest to seek religious justice that ultimately lead to him being beheaded.
Others believe in the more mystical tale of Saint George and the slaying of a mighty dragon, I know this is what I was predominantly taught in school: Saint George was a famous knight who saved a beautiful princess in the exotic lands of Libya. He fought fiercely against a ruthless dragon for hours and hours, stopping occasionally to replenish himself under a magic orange tree. Looking back at this story now, perhaps it was a more fun way of illustrating the original tale of George and the Pagan Romans.
Regardless of which story you prefer to the follow, the imagery in both remains the same. Whether you look at paintings of a Roman Christian solider or a young and gallant Knight slaying a dragon, in pretty much all of them, George is carrying a special shield, adorned with the red cross of England.
Strangely, St. George's Day doesn't seem as popular in the UK as other Patron Saint days, such as St. Patrick's and St. David's. This is nothing more than remarkable, given that we have so much to be proud of. For such a small country, we really have made our mark on the world politically, socially and artistically.
If you're looking for somewhere extra special and nostalgic to celebrate this St. George's Day, you should head on down to Home House of Portman Square in London. Celebrate England's Patron Saint with a classic selection of ingredients including smoked salmon, asparagus, rib of beef, bread and butter pudding and sherry trifle (vegetarian option available), as well delicious, crisp, fruity wine.
Contrary to belief, George was actually born in Turkey to devout Christian parents back in the 4th century. In his adult life, he became a brave Roman solider, serving under a strict, Pagan leader. It was whilst devoting himself to his soldier duties that he made the decision to stand up to his Pagan predecessors regarding their inhumane torture of local Christians. It was this selfless act of bravery in his quest to seek religious justice that ultimately lead to him being beheaded.
Others believe in the more mystical tale of Saint George and the slaying of a mighty dragon, I know this is what I was predominantly taught in school: Saint George was a famous knight who saved a beautiful princess in the exotic lands of Libya. He fought fiercely against a ruthless dragon for hours and hours, stopping occasionally to replenish himself under a magic orange tree. Looking back at this story now, perhaps it was a more fun way of illustrating the original tale of George and the Pagan Romans.
Regardless of which story you prefer to the follow, the imagery in both remains the same. Whether you look at paintings of a Roman Christian solider or a young and gallant Knight slaying a dragon, in pretty much all of them, George is carrying a special shield, adorned with the red cross of England.
Strangely, St. George's Day doesn't seem as popular in the UK as other Patron Saint days, such as St. Patrick's and St. David's. This is nothing more than remarkable, given that we have so much to be proud of. For such a small country, we really have made our mark on the world politically, socially and artistically.
If you're looking for somewhere extra special and nostalgic to celebrate this St. George's Day, you should head on down to Home House of Portman Square in London. Celebrate England's Patron Saint with a classic selection of ingredients including smoked salmon, asparagus, rib of beef, bread and butter pudding and sherry trifle (vegetarian option available), as well delicious, crisp, fruity wine.
About the Author:
Home House hosts a members club for people from all walks of life, which is part of its uniqueness. Quite unlike many other private members clubs in Soho, Home House hosts a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House hosts London's best Feast of St George in London.