The legend of Saint George and the Dragon tells of Saint George (died 303) taming and slaying a dragon that demanded human sacrifices.
While most people in the world think St Georges Day is just another excuse for a national holiday, we celebrate the bravery overall knighthood of the curagious George. Who would not only gain knighthood but would also become a knight of heaven (a saint).
While most people in the world think St Georges Day is just another excuse for a national holiday, we celebrate the bravery overall knighthood of the curagious George. Who would not only gain knighthood but would also become a knight of heaven (a saint).
Story of Saint George
St. George travelled for many months by land and sea until he came to Libya. Here he met a poor hermit who told him that everyone in that land was in great distress, for a dragon had long ravaged the country.
'Every day,' said the old man, 'he demands the sacrifice of a beautiful maiden and now all the young girls have been killed. The king's daughter alone remains, and unless we can find a knight who can slay the dragon she will be sacrificed tomorrow. The king of Egypt will give his daughter in marriage to the champion who overcomes this terrible monster.'
When St. George heard this story, he was determined to try and save the princess, so he rested that night in the hermit's hut, and at daybreak set out to the valley where the dragon lived. When he drew near he saw a little procession of women, headed by a beautiful girl dressed in pure Arabian silk. The princess Sabra was being led by her attendants to the place of death. The knight spurred his horse and overtook the ladies. He comforted them with brave words and persuaded the princess to return to the palace. Then he entered the valley.
As soon as the dragon saw him it rushed from its cave, roaring with a sound louder than thunder. Its head was immense and its tail fifty feet long. But St. George was not afraid. He struck the monster with his spear, hoping he would wound it.
As soon as the dragon saw him it rushed from its cave, roaring with a sound louder than thunder. Its head was immense and its tail fifty feet long. But St. George was not afraid. He struck the monster with his spear, hoping he would wound it.
The dragon's scales were so hard that the spear broke into a thousand pieces. and St. George fell from his horse. Fortunately he rolled under an enchanted orange tree against which poison could not prevail, so that the venomous dragon was unable to hurt him. Within a few minutes he had recovered his strength and was able to fight again.
He smote the beast with his sword, but the dragon poured poison on him and his armour split in two. Once more he refreshed himself from the orange tree and then, with his sword in his hand, he rushed at the dragon and pierced it under the wing where there were no scales, so that it fell dead at his feet.
Why we celebrate?
St George's Day takes place on the 23rd April each year to marks the death of the Patron Saint of England, who is thought to have died in around AD 303 when he was tortured and executed in Palestine, becoming an early Christian martyr.
Why we celebrate?
St George's Day takes place on the 23rd April each year to marks the death of the Patron Saint of England, who is thought to have died in around AD 303 when he was tortured and executed in Palestine, becoming an early Christian martyr.
St. George’s Day celebrations were on par with Christmas once. But the excitement waned towards the end of the 18th century when England unified with Scotland on May 1, 1707. The holiday has gained traction in recent years, with campaigns and petitions to make the day a public holiday in England. St. George is also the patron saint of other countries like Greece, Portugal, Bulgaria, Ethiopia, and Russia. Apart from St. George’s Day, several other holidays are devoted to him, including April 23 and a few in November and December.
Best of British
Become as might as Saint George with these amazing British products!
PG Tips Vending Tea 1.5kg
A cup of tea is the heart of everyday British sociability' - as a wise man once said! PG Tips is made from completely natural tea leaves - and nothing else, giving it a traditional strong flavour, no wonder this is Britain's' best selling tea!
Walkers Ready Salted Crisps 32.5g (32 pack)
Enjoy these delicious ready salted flavour crisps from the nations favourite crisp manufacturer, Walkers. These delightfully indulgent crisps are made from 100% Great British potatoes and are cooked in Sun seed oil, ensuring that they are naturally lower in saturates that other traditional cooking oils.
Tetley English Breakfast Individually Wrapped Envelopes 25's
Tetley English Breakfast Tea is a stronger blend than traditional Black Tea and is made from full-bodied teas from around the world. This blend is one of the most popular teas and is synonymous with British tea culture, although it is thought to actually originate from America during Colonial times.