Unveiling 10 Hidden and Surprising Facts about St. George's Day
St. George is not just the patron saint of England but also of many other countries, including Georgia, Portugal, and Malta.
The exact origins of St. George are shrouded in mystery, but he is believed to have been born in the 3rd century in Cappadocia, which is now modern-day Turkey.
The famous legend of St. George slaying the dragon is said to have originated in medieval times and was popularized in the 13th century Golden Legend.
While St. George is celebrated on April 23rd in England, the date varies for other countries that also honor him as their patron saint.
St. George's Day was first officially recognized as England's national day in 1415 by King Henry V, but it was not widely celebrated until the 18th century.
The red cross on the English flag, known as the St. George's Cross, is also featured on the flags of Georgia and Barcelona.
During the Crusades, St. George became known as a military saint, and his image was often used on banners and shields.
Shakespeare references St. George in several of his plays, including Henry V and Romeo and Juliet.
Despite being England's national day, St. George's Day is not a public holiday in England and is not widely celebrated as such.
The Order of the Garter, one of the highest orders of chivalry in England, is dedicated to St. George and bears his motto, "Honi soit qui mal y pense"