St George was actually born in Cappadocia in the year 280.
In case you were wondering, Cappadocia is the area now
known as Turkey.
Even though St George wasn’t from England and probably
never set foot in the country, he is still the country’s Patron Saint –
representing courage and bravery.
The famous legend originates from the Libyan town of Silene.
One day, the residents agreed to offer their princess up for sacrifice.
However,
on the day she was due to be killed, St George came riding by on his white
horse, before killing the dragon with his sword, saving the princess in the
process.
St George was a soldier of the Roman Army, however after protesting against the pagan Emperor for his persecution of Christians, he was beheaded on April 23rd in the year 303.
Albeit it over a thousand years later, iconic poet and
playwright, William Shakespeare died on the same day in 1616, aged 52.
St Georges Day is England’s National Day, however it is
not a public holiday and hasn’t been since 1707.
However, that doesn’t stop the more patriotic citizen from flag waving, Morris Dancing and tucking into some traditional foods, such as fish and chips.
Portugal, Venice, Beirut, Malta, Ethiopia, Georgia, Serbia, Lithuania and the Palestinian territories.
However, his Patron Saint duties aren’t exclusive to
countries.
St George is also Patron
Saint of Scouting. So every year, on the Sunday nearest to the St Georges Day, scouts and guides throughout England parade through
the streets in honour of him.