Rose

Thursday 23rd April marks the day of England’s Patron Saint, St George, the dragon slayer. It is a day when English people across the globe join together and celebrate their heritage. Although it is no longer a national holiday, the English still celebrate it with pride by wearing a rose, which is our national symbol and hoisting the St George crest which is our country’s flag and also the centre of the British Union Jack flag. Who Was St George? The legend of St George and the dragon is over one thousand years old and tells of a small town in Libya where a dragon decided to take nest. Each time the villagers went to get water from the nearby spring they would disturb the dragon so they gave it sheep to eat as a distraction. When the village was out of sheep they decided that the only other way to calm the dragon was to sacrifice a girl. The Princess whose name was drawn was sent to be sacrificed, but as she neared the dragons keep, a knight of the Crusade flashed by on his white steed. St George dismounted and drew his sword to fend off the beast and after moments the dragon was slain, saving the Princess’ life. Because of this great and noble act, the village converted to Christianity. Continue reading →