St George’s Day happens on April 23 every 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.
History of St George’s Day:
As per legend, St George was a Roman soldier born in what is presently current Turkey in around 280AD and died around 303. Almost no is thought about his early life yet it is believed he was born to a rich Christian noble family, reported Independent UK.
At the point when he grew up he turned into a soldier and joined the entourage of Emperor Diocletian.
In 303 Diocletian, as a part of a crackdown on the growing influence of the Christian community, requested that all Christian soldiers in the army ought to be removed and all Roman soldiers be forced to make the traditional pagan sacrifice.
St George refused and denounced the edict in front of his fellow soldiers, declaring he was a Christian. Diocletian at first attempted to convert him with offers of wealth and land yet when he refused he was beheaded on 23 April 303.
Why is St George a patron saint?
Very little is thought about St George, in any case, it is accepted he was a high-ranking officer in the Roman Army.
George was raised as a Christian and was tortured by Emperor Diocletian in a bid to drive him to deny his confidence.
All through his torture, George was said to have shown courage and faith – and was eventually executed in Palestine.
His head was taken to Rome, then interred in a church dedicated to him.
St George was then announced a saint in 494AD by Pope Gelasius
Tales of his courage had spread across Europe, including one which saw George take on a dragon.
How is St George’s Day celebrated?
St George’s Day used to be a national holiday in England. It is currently a recognition that is commended with parades, dancing, and other activities, Time and Date cites.
Flags with the picture of St George’s cross are flown on certain buildings, especially pubs, and a few people wear a red rose on their lapel.
Church services on the Sunday nearest to April 23 frequently include the hymn ‘Jerusalem’, written by the poet William Blake. The words describe an supposed visit to Glastonbury, England, by Jesus Christ during his youth.
April 23 is anything but a public holiday. Schools, stores, post offices, businesses and other organizations are open as usual. Public transport services run to their usual timetables.