St George's Day

St George's Day in England remembers St George, England's patron saint. The anniversary of his death, observed on 23 April, is seen as England's national day and it marks a special event in the calendar.

History of the day

Many years ago, St George's Day was a national holiday in England. These days, businesses operate normal working hours during the day, but many will mark the event.

It is often celebrated with parades and other activities. Flags with the image of St George's cross are flown on some buildings, especially pubs, and a few people wear a red rose on their lapel.

In wider cultural life, church services on the Sunday closest to 23 April often include the hymn 'Jerusalem'. The poem, written by the poet William Blake and adopted by the England cricket team, holds a special resonance.

St George's Day was once celebrated as widely as Christmas. But the celebrations waned by the end of the 18th century after England had united with Scotland on 1 May 1707.

St George

St George was a real historical figure. He is thought to have been born around the year 280AD in the area now known as Turkey. He was a soldier and active in the Roman army.

He is most famously known for slaying a dragon. According to legend, the only well in the town of Silene was guarded by a dragon. In order to get water, the inhabitants of the town had to offer a human sacrifice every day to the dragon. On the day that St George was visiting, a princess had been selected to be sacrificed. However, he killed the dragon, saved the princess and gave the people of Silene access to water. In gratitude, the town converted to Christianity.

George himself was executed for being a Christian on 23 April, 303.

Although he is thought never to have visited England, St George is the patron saint of many other countries. These include Ethiopia, Greece and Russia. Around the world, a number of days are devoted to St George, including 23 April and dates in November and December of the Gregorian calendar.

Happy St George’s Day to those celebrating.