By Ricky Hislop
With Easter fast approaching, it will soon be time to turn our attentions to the Patron Saint of England, Saint George. And, with times as tough as ever, we really should rally together this year and celebrate being English. Not so much English as Christian, for did you know that Saint George is also worshipped in other countries such as Aragon, Catalonia, Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Portugal, Russia and Palestine, to name but a mere few.
Now you might, like me, assume that the Patron Saint of England was born here, naturally. However, George was was actually born in Turkey to devout Christian parents in the 4th century. He was bought up in a Christian home and held strong Christian beliefs, despite in later life serving for a Roman army under a Pagan leader. However, he detested the way in which the Pagan Romans tortured Christians so much that he took it upon himself to stand up for Christian belief. Despite this act of bravery, his audacity eventually lead to his death as his fellow Romans murdered him for his 'supposed betrayal'. From this, he became a martyr, a true legend that all Christians everywhere looked up to.
Others believe in the more mystical tale of Saint George, of his supposed slaying of a mighty, mean dragon on the islands of Libya. Legend has it that he was saving a beautiful princess from the lair of the dragon but, looking at it in more depth, perhaps this is a glorified tale of what really happened on the fields of Rome, Christians against Pagans.
Regardless of which story you choose to believe, the imagery and symbolism remain the same. In both tales, Saint George comes across as brave and gallant, holding up his famous sword and shield with the red cross painted on it. This is where the original flag for England came from, from this heroic man who stood up for his religion.
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 count
Others believe in the more mystical tale of Saint George, of his supposed slaying of a mighty, mean dragon on the islands of Libya. Legend has it that he was saving a beautiful princess from the lair of the dragon but, looking at it in more depth, perhaps this is a glorified tale of what really happened on the fields of Rome, Christians against Pagans.
Regardless of which story you choose to believe, the imagery and symbolism remain the same. In both tales, Saint George comes across as brave and gallant, holding up his famous sword and shield with the red cross painted on it. This is where the original flag for England came from, from this heroic man who stood up for his religion.
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 count
Regardless of which story you choose to believe, the imagery and symbolism remain the same. In both tales, Saint George comes across as brave and gallant, holding up his famous sword and shield with the red cross painted on it. This is where the original flag for England came from, from this heroic man who stood up for his religion.
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:
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 private 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 St George's Day Feast.