After celebrating St. Patrick's Day and St. David's Day, it's now time to turn our attentions to the Patron Saint of England, Saint George. But what really do we know of him? It wasn't until I began researching for this article myself, that I learned not only is he the Patron Saint of England, but he is also worshipped in Aragon, Catalonia, Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Portugal, Russia and Palestine, to name but a few. So why is he is so popular in so many countries, where did he come from, and how can we celebrate his life in the twenty-first century?
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 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.
These days, St. George's Day doesn't seem as popular in the UK as it should be. As a nation, we really should celebrate our Patron Saint with as much enthusiasm as the Irish and the Welsh. After-all, for such a small country, we certainly 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.
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 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.
These days, St. George's Day doesn't seem as popular in the UK as it should be. As a nation, we really should celebrate our Patron Saint with as much enthusiasm as the Irish and the Welsh. After-all, for such a small country, we certainly 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 charm. 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 Feast.
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