St George is the patron saint of England. However, very little is known about the real St George. He is thought to have been born to Christian parents who protested against the Roman's torture of Christians and died for his beliefs.
St George and The Dragon
One of the best known stories about St George is the fight with a dragon but it is highly unlikely that the story is true as it is from medieval times and over a thousand years old.
The story goes that the dragon made its nest by the fresh water spring near the town Silene in Libya. when people came to collect water, they inadvertently disturbed the dragon and so offered sheep as a distraction. After time, there were simply no sheep left to offer the dragon and so the people of Silene decided to chose a maiden from the town by drawing lots. When the results were read, it was revealed that the princess was to be the dragon’s next victim. Despite the Monarch’s protest his daughter Cleolinda was offered to the dragon.
However, at the moment of offering, a knight from the Crusades came riding by on his white stallion. St George dismounted and drew his sword, protecting himself with the sign of the cross. He fought the dragon on foot and managed to slay the beast and saved the princess. The people of Silene were exceptionally grateful and abandoned their pagan beliefs to convert to Christianity.
St George Day is now celebrated on 23rd April. Traditionally customs were to fly the St George's flag and wear a red rose in one's lapel. Even though the day is not celebrated as Americans celebrate their fourth of July, lets celebrate it by throwing a party in honour of St George by donning costumes, accessories or hanging a St George's flag.
