Today, countries across Europe will commemorate the death and martyrdom of their patron saint: St. George. While St. George’s Day is marked in various European countries like Georgia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, the celebration in England has taken on a patriotic tone.
The Origins of St. George
Contrary to popular belief, St. George was not originally from England, Georgia, Hungary, or Portugal. Historians believe he was a real person, a Roman army soldier who was executed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith. He lived in the Roman province of Palestine in the Middle East and likely identified himself as a Roman and a Christian.
St. George in Art and Literature
Throughout history, St. George has been depicted in various art forms and literary works. Most artworks portray him slaying a dragon, a mythological element that was added centuries after his death. His appearance in art has evolved over time, sometimes depicted as hyper-masculine and other times with angelic features. Despite being Middle Eastern, English portrayals often show him as white, reflecting the artistic styles of different periods.
One famous portrayal is Paolo Uccello’s painting “Saint George and the Dragon.”
- St. George was also associated with healing people suffering from syphilis during the Middle Ages.
Feasting Traditions on St. George’s Day
In England, the veneration of St. George took time to become popular. The earliest evidence of his veneration dates back to an Anglo-Saxon missionary’s pilgrimage in 720. It wasn’t until the 9th century that a feast day was celebrated in England. During the Middle Ages, St. George’s Day was a time for towns and villages to take a break from work and feast. Local guilds dedicated to St. George organized parades, feasts, and celebrations, often including pork as the main dish due to its affordability.
