Every year on April 23rd, England celebrates St George’s Day, a day dedicated to the country’s patron saint. But who exactly was St George, and why is he so important?
St George was a Roman soldier born in the 3rd century, likely in what is now modern-day Turkey. He became famous for refusing to give up his Christian faith and was martyred around the year 303 AD. Over time, his bravery and dedication turned him into a legendary figure.
The most famous story about St George is the tale of St George and the Dragon. According to legend, a fearsome dragon was terrorising a town, and the people were forced to offer sacrifices to keep it away. When the king’s daughter was chosen as the next victim, George bravely fought and killed the dragon, saving the princess and the town. This heroic act made him a symbol of courage, honour, and protection.
Today, the red cross of St George is part of the Union Jack, and it also appears on England’s flag. While St George’s Day is not a public holiday, many people still mark the occasion with flags, parades, and traditional English food.
Even though the story is more legend than fact, St George represents bravery and standing up for what is right—values that are still important today.
