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.
It is said that George was born in Turkey, in the third century, to devout Christian parents. In his adult life, he became a brave Roman solider, serving under a strict, Pagan leader. Tired and continuously hurt by the Roman's torture of Christians, George stood up to his leader, an audacious act that ultimately lead to his untimely beheading. This spirited and gallant man died in youth for his beliefs.
Now I knew little of this Christian versus Pagan story. Instead, I have been more accustomed to the mystical tale of Saint George; of his supposed slaying of a mighty, mean dragon on the islands of Libya. However, looking at studies on the topic, it seems this is a more fabricated tale of his time on the Roman battlefields, with the dragon really being symbolic of the evil, Pagan leader who beheaded him.
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.
It is said that George was born in Turkey, in the third century, to devout Christian parents. In his adult life, he became a brave Roman solider, serving under a strict, Pagan leader. Tired and continuously hurt by the Roman's torture of Christians, George stood up to his leader, an audacious act that ultimately lead to his untimely beheading. This spirited and gallant man died in youth for his beliefs.
Now I knew little of this Christian versus Pagan story. Instead, I have been more accustomed to the mystical tale of Saint George; of his supposed slaying of a mighty, mean dragon on the islands of Libya. However, looking at studies on the topic, it seems this is a more fabricated tale of his time on the Roman battlefields, with the dragon really being symbolic of the evil, Pagan leader who beheaded him.
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:
Home House is 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 is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House is London's best St. George's Day Events in London.
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