St George's Day Fancy Dress

April 23rd is well known around the world as St Georges Day, a day on which we pay homage to St George - the patron saint of England - and celebrate all things English.

On this day, it’s tradition for a St George flag to be flown, with people often opting to show their pride by wearing clothes marked with the cross, sometimes even with wigs and face paints to match! Some even opt to re-create the Saints best known heroic act by dressing up as a dragon! Or if you’re looking for something a little more subtle, it’s also tradition to wear a red rose on ones lapel.

St George

Although born in 270 A.D in Cappadocia, Eastern Turkey, St George later moved to Palestine with his mother where he became a Roman Soldier, quickly rising to the rank of Tribunus Miitum (that’s officer to us).

However, unable to support his leader in his bid to persecute all Christians, he resigned his post and protested against Emperor Diocletian, a rebellion which led to his imprisonment.

While in prison he remained true and loyal to his faith, despite the torture inflicted upon him.

Enraged by his unrelenting faith, the Emperor had George dragged through the streets of Nicomedia and beheaded on April 23rd.

Crusaders returning to England after the war bought with them tales of St George, his name soon known all across England.

In 1099, it’s said Saint George made a ‘miracle appearance’, presenting himself to crusaders outside Jerusalem and leading them into battle. Since then and up until the 14th century, soldiers would wear the sign of St George (the St Georges Cross) on their chest and back, the Saint believed to be a special protector for the English.

Saint George became the Patron Saint of England in 1415 after, under King Henry V, English soldiers won the Battle of Agincourt.

George and the Dragon

The most famous tale of Saint George is that of George and the Dragon.

Legend has it that a fierce dragon had landed and made its nest by a fresh water spring in the town of Silene in Libya, leaving the locals no choice but to offer up sheep to distract the dragon while they fetched water.

They soon ran out of sheep altogether, opting instead to offer a maiden as sacrifice.

In a draw to choose a sacrifice, Princess Cleolindas name was drawn. Despite protest from the Monarch, the princess was taken down to the spring and offered to the dragon.

Thankfully, at the moment of offering, a knight from the crusades rode in on a white stallion. Leaping from his steed, he fought the creature on foot with just his sword and only a shield bearing his mark to protect him.

Victorious, George slayed the dragon, saving the princess and the town.

In gratitude to their fearless saviour, the people of Silene abandoned their pagan beliefs, converting to Christianity.

Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George! – William Shakespeare