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.

Where To Celebrate St George’s Day 2025

On March 17th, people all around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, honoring the patron saint of Ireland. It’s a day filled with green, shamrocks, traditional music, and a little bit of magic! According to legend, St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, which is why it has become the symbol of this festive day.

At our school, we took this opportunity to explore the Irish culture, listen to Irish music, and create fun crafts featuring shamrocks and the mischievous Leprechaun! It was a great way to learn about another culture through creative and joyful activities.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all! 🍀🌈

 

Interactive Video 1

https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons/listening-comprehension/deep-listening-focus-on-meaning/biography-of-shakespeare/647560

Interactive Video 2

https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons/listening-comprehension/deep-listening-focus-on-meaning/the-life-of-shakespeare/578110

LearnEnglishKids

British Council

 

 

 

KPg-May 2024 (Module 1, Activity 8)

Reading Comprehension-Wordwall

William Shakespeare’s Biography (British Council)

Stratford-Upon-Avon

The Globe Theatre

In the UK, the Epiphany tradition is highly regarded by many people as it marks the end of the festive season with a celebration that often goes beyond the familiar festivities of Christmas. Epiphany, which falls on January 6th, commemorates the arrival of the Magi to the infant Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles.

One of these traditions is Twelfth Night in Britain. This ancient custom involves taking down Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree on either January 5th or 6th night. It is considered bad luck to keep decorations up beyond this point according to tradition and households gather for a final evening of merriment before bidding farewell to the holiday season.

The highlight of Twelfth Night is cutting of King Cake. This rich and fruity confection contains a hidden charm or trinket, symbolizing baby Jesus. As slices are made through it, whoever finds this hidden charm becomes “king” or “queen” for that night thus adding an element of fun and festivity to the occasion.

In various regions, Epiphany is celebrated through the lively spectacles of “Mummers Plays,” performed by amateur actors in vibrant attire and elaborate masks. These short, humorous plays have a long history and depict the eternal struggle between good and evil. According to tradition, their performance brings good luck and protects against malevolent forces for the upcoming year.

While Christmas may take the spotlight, Epiphany holds its own significance in the UK, boasting unique traditions rooted in the past. The festive spirit of coming together, merriment, and the symbolic act of collectively taking down decorations add to the diverse tapestry of British cultural festivities, truly making it a feast for the senses.