Saint George's Day, celebrates the feast day of Saint George. Since Pope Paul VI's revision of the Roman Catholic calendar, it has held the rank of "Memorial", which means its celebration is optional.
Saint George's Day is celebrated on April 23rd every year, the day the Saint is held to have died in the year 303 AD in Lydda, Palestine. Tradition says that Saint George was a Roman soldier and a priest who was renowned for his support of those in need, who is venerated as a Christian martyr.
Saint George was adopted as the Patron Saint of soldiers after it was said he appeared to the crusading armies during the Battle of Antioch in 1098. Many similar stories were recounted by Byzantine troops to the Crusaders, and circulated more widely by troubadours. During his campaign in Palestine during 1191 and 1192 King Richard I, known as "Richard the Lionheart", put his army under the direct protection of Saint George.
Patron Saint of England
In 1222, the Synod of Oxford declared that a special celebration in Saint George's honor would take place on April 23rd every year. By the end of the 14th Century, Saint George had been officially acknowledged as the Patron Saint of England.
In 1415, the year of Battle of Agincourt, Archbishop Chichele raised the importance of Saint George's Day, ordering that it should be observed like Christmas Day. However, by 1778 the holiday had reverted to being a simple day of devotion for English Catholics.
Saint George and the Dragon
The legend of Saint George and the Dragon stems from the 10th or 11th Century, when the Dragon was used to represent the Devil. There are many versions of the legend, but they all have the same narrative:
- The Dragon was terrorising a town
- A young princess was offered to the dragon to appease it
- Saint George heard the story, and rode to the town
- Saint George slayed the dragon and rescued the young princess
The Flag of Saint George
The Flag of Saint George, known as the Colours of Saint George or Saint George's Cross, has a red cross on a white background. These colours were adopted for soldiers' uniforms, probably during King Richard I's reign. It later became the flag of England and the White Ensign of the British Royal Navy.
Celebrating Saint George's Day
The traditional custom of wearing a red rose on Saint George's Day has become less common. Similarly, flying the Flag of Saint George on April 23rd has become less common since it has been adopted by supporters of English football and other sports fans.
The hymn Jerusalem is often sung during religious ceremonies on Saint George's Day, or on the Sunday nearest to it.
Saint George, Patron Saint of Scouting
On the Sunday nearest to Saint George's Day, the 23rd April, scouts and guides throughout England hold parades and attend special St George's Day services at their local church.
Patron Saints of other UK Countries
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, Saint David is the patron saint of Wales, and Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
Sources:
Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
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