St George’s Day is the England’s national day that falls on
April 23.
The day commemorates St George – a dragon-slaying saint of
England.
One of the Christian martyrs. St George represents traditional
English bravery and chivalry.
Even though he wasn’t English, we have made him the symbol
of our nation. His emblem is a red cross on a white background. It is England’s
flag that forms part of the Union flag i.e. the flag of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain & Northern Ireland.
According to legends, St George saved a princess by slaying a
dragon when he was in the Roman army as a soldier.
How does England
celebrate this day?
St George’s Day was declared as a national holiday in the
year 1415. It grew become popular until the 18th century when
celebrations declined after England merged with Scotland in 1707. Fervent
England fans commemorate the day by conducting parades, dancing and waving
flags. Many people wear a rose, England’s national flower.
Know about St George
He was apparently born in Cappadocia, which is now called
Turkey. As a soldier, he rose through the ranks of the Roman army. However,
later, he protested against ethnic emperor’s prosecution of Christians and then
he was imprisoned, tortured, dragged onto the streets and beheaded on April 23,
303 in Palestine. He is buried in Israel.
St George’s cross emblem was adopted by the king Richard and
brought to England in the 12th century. The soldiers wore it on
their uniform during the battle to prevent confusion.
St George Day is also celebrated in places such as Germany,
Portugal, Romania, Greece, Istanbul and Ethiopia.
In Great Britain, St George has also inspired medals for
bravery. The medal depicts the patron saint slaying the dragon on top of his
horse. The St George’s flag is always present in English cricket, football and
rugby matches and waved by patriotic supporters.
