Is St George's Day a public holiday in the UK? Know all about the dragon slayer Patron Saint
Observed every year on
April 23
,
St George's Day
is marked to honour Saint George, the
patron saint of England
. Morris dancing, the red cross on flags, and performances of knights who once slayed a dragon are among the traditional English festivities that are held to honour the day.
While the imagery is iconic, many in England are not sure of who St George truly was or why he is celebrated. If you are among those, read on.
Who was St George?
Born about 270 AD in Cappadocia (now in Türkiye), St. George was a Roman Empire soldier and Christian. The Chronicle contends that he was killed in 303 AD for defying Emperor Diocletian's order to renounce his Christian faith during an era of persecution.
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Reportedly, despite the lack of concrete historical records, his story has endured. It was further strengthened by myth, faith, and legend.
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The dragon-slaying legend
According to the reports, the most enduring story around St George is the dramatic tale of the slaying of a dragon. Legend states a dragon was tormenting a village and they had chosen to offer a maid to it. However, St George killed the dragon and rescued the settlement, the analysis noted.
Although the tale is symbolic, it represents the victory of good over evil. It became wildly popular through The Golden Legend, a medieval collection of saints' stories.
Why is St George England's Patron Saint?
Ironically, St George never set foot in England. However, the reports stated that his qualities of courage,
chivalry
, and piety made him an appropriate icon. He was an icon for those looking to unify ideals, especially in times of war like the
Crusades
.
Is St George's Day a public holiday in the UK?
After the accounts of St George appearing to Crusaders in combat, he was named as a national icon. Reportedly, in 1415, his feast day became a national holiday. However, this status was lost after the 18th Century.
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His appeal also rested on the fact that he was not a representative of any single English region, so he could be a unifying figure for the whole nation, the reports added.
St George is England's hero, but he is more than that. He is the patron saint of Catalonia, Georgia, Greece, Portugal, and a few other areas. His historical and mythological legacy continues to motivate individuals all over the globe.
FAQs
Q: Is St George's Day a public holiday in England?
No, it is not a public holiday, even though it used to be recognised as a national feast day back in 1415.
Q: Did St George really slay a dragon?
There is no historical proof of an actual dragon. The tale is thought to be a symbolic story about bravery and the victory of good over evil.
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