Today (23 April) is Saint George’s Day!

So let’s all don our plus fours, tweed and pearls, brew up a cuppa Rosie-Lee and take a stiff upper lipped dive into some of the information I’ve dredged up about good old Blighty’s patron saint…
Saint George’s Day is a time-honoured tradition in the United Kingdom, celebrating the patron saint of England, Saint George.

Despite its historical significance, Saint George’s Day is often overshadowed by other national holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland or St. Andrew’s Day in Scotland. In my very limited opinion this is probably due to the fact that we’ve all got a stick up our arses and don’t like to interrupt the other saints when they are all partying hearty and drinking whiskey. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in reviving and celebrating this quintessentially English holiday.

In todays meandering diatribe of what could loosely be regarded as interesting information , we explore the history, traditions, and modern-day observance of Saint George’s Day in the UK, as compiled by an actual British person – hang on to your bowler hats!

Saint George, a Roman soldier of Greek origin, is believed to have lived during the 3rd century AD. He is revered as a Christian martyr who courageously stood up for his faith, refusing to renounce Christianity despite facing persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian. According to legend, Saint George famously slew a dragon, symbolizing his triumph over evil and his unwavering devotion to God. We have to assume that the dragon wasn’t a real dragon and was actually a metaphor for some other injustice.

In fact, this whole part of the story is probably hokum due to the fact that, in England, the earliest documented mention of St George comes from the Venerable Bede in 735 and Georges feast day isn’t mentioned until the 9th century when it appears in the Durham Collectar. There are a few churches dedicated to St George from around this period, notably in Fordington, Thetford and Doncaster.

In the time of the Crusades, George began to gain popularity as a warrior saint – not really sure why this was since the Brits actually favoured Edward the Confessor and Edmund the Martyr until the 14thc. Personally, I preferred Edmund Blackadder. In fact, If we had been taught history using Blackadder and Horrible Histories I probably would have listened more and this article may have been more accurate.

Anyway, I digress. As always..

So, in 1348, Edward 3 AKA ‘The Black Prince’ was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights. This order was the Order of the Garter and would be recognised as the most senior Order of Chivalry in the British Isles. He awarded St George the position of Patron Saint of the Order as a thank you for ‘intervening’ in the Battle of Crecy.

..And so, Saint George’s Day had become a major feast day in the English calendar. Traditionally, the day was marked by religious observances, including church services and processions honouring Saint George. In addition to its religious significance, Saint George’s Day also served as a patriotic celebration of English identity and culture.
Over the centuries, various customs and traditions have evolved around Saint George’s Day.

One of the most iconic symbols associated with the holiday is the St. George’s Cross, a red cross on a white background. On Saint George’s Day, people across the country proudly display the flag, adorning buildings, homes, and streets with this emblem of English heritage.

Traditional foods also play a central role in Saint George’s Day celebrations. Roast beef, a quintessential English dish, is often enjoyed as part of a festive meal, accompanied by other traditional favourites such as Yorkshire pudding and apple pie. Additionally, traditional English ales and beers are consumed in abundance, adding to the convivial atmosphere of the day.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Saint George’s Day, driven by efforts to promote English culture and heritage. Communities across the UK organize a variety of events and activities to celebrate the holiday, including parades, street festivals, and historical re-enactments. These celebrations often showcase traditional music, dance, and folklore, providing an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate their shared identity.

However, Saint George’s Day is not without controversy. Some critics argue that the holiday has been overshadowed by concerns about nationalism and xenophobia, particularly in light of the rise of far-right movements in the UK. Others lament the commercialization of the holiday, which has led to its marginalization in comparison to other national celebrations. Perhaps the saddest thing is the fact that this year it falls on a Tuesday. Apparently we aren’t allowed a national holiday for our patron saint so most people will not be able to celebrate due to being at work.

Nevertheless, Saint George’s Day holds a special place in the hearts of many in the UK, representing a celebration of English identity, heritage, and tradition. While the holiday may not receive the same level of attention as other national observances, its significance endures, serving as a reminder of the rich history and cultural diversity of what it means to be English.

So let us all raise a glass – ‘God for Harry, England and Saint George!’