Happy St George’s Day, the flags our out, still no National holiday, but what do we know about Saint George? Perhaps most famous for slaying a dragon? This is ‘obviously’ a fictitious story and very little is known about the real St. George. The little we do know is:
Born in Turkey (either Anatolia or Cappadocia) - Lived in 3rd century AD
- His parents were Christian
- Later lived in Palestine
- Became a Roman soldier
- Protested against Rome's persecution of Christians
- Imprisoned and tortured, but stayed true to his faith
- Beheaded at Nicomedia, Palestine
St. George is probably England's most successful immigrant. Born in a foreign land, welcomed by the English and has worked hard for over 800 years in his adopted country. He has integrated so well that he has come to symbolise the very essence of 'Englishness'.
The story of St. George and the Dragon dates back to the Middle Ages when the dragon was commonly used to represent evil, so it's an excellent tale of good triumphing over evil.
Since then St. George has been popularly identified with English ideals of charity, chivalry and courage (now known as the 3 C's)
History lesson over, enjoy the day wherever you are!!!