What is St George's Day? When and Why is it Celebrated?

St. George Day is a day that is used to celebrate the English spirit of faith and chivalry, embodying that of St. George himself. People gather together with family and friends, delicious meals are cooked and eaten by them. People all over England visit churches to pay their respects to their religious faith, along with remembering St. George. 

There is a mythological tale connected to St. George's Day itself, which says that St. George slayed a dragon with his sword to save a princess. Though the story inclines towards mythology rather than historical accuracy, it is the celebration of what this mythological tale represents. It is the courage, chivalry, passion, and reverence that St. George possessed that are thought to be an ideal representation of the faith of Christianity. 

What is St. George’s Day? 

St. George’s Day is celebrated on the 23rd of April every year. It represents Christian faith to commemorate the martyr St. George. It is celebrated with grandeur mostly in European countries and some other countries, though not as intensely as in Europe. This day is the celebration of Christianity and what it represents. 

St. George represents the spirit of dedication and unwavering faith for one’s religion in the face of adversity or doubt. People celebrate this very spirit, which is considered a blueprint for other followers of this faith. It acts as a reminder of what one’s religion is symbolic of. 

Who was St. George? 

St. George was not actually of English origin. He was born in the 3rd century AD in Cappadocia, which is in present-day Turkey. He is believed to have passed away in Lydda, which is in present-day Israel. His identity is often unclear, as many believe him to be a knight or warrior, while many believe he was actually a soldier in the Roman army. 

An astonishing fact is that St. George never visited England while he was alive! Yet his existence is commemorated and revered by the people of England due to the ideals he represented. He was a favourite of the kings of England. Edward 1 made sure that his court had the banners of the emblem of St. George on the walls. Edward III had a personal relic in the memory of St. George.