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

Image may contain: possible text that says 'HAPPY ST. GEORGE'S DAY!'Image may contain: one or more people and outdoorThought I would start today's blog off with the famous quote from Shakespeare's Henry V as a good St George link. What better way to begin this post than using the quintessentially English playwright's quote from a famous King who defeated the French at Agincourt.

Yes, today is St George's Day. The patron saint of England, Portugal, Venice, Soldiers and Farmers. Never came to England or fought a dragon. But as he is the patron saint of soldiers it seems appropriate to include a photograph from our collection of red roses being handed out on St George's Day. Plenty of posts on social media today, especially on military sites, wishing everyone a Happy St. George's Day. As a former member of the Scout Association, we too commemorated this date, regularly parading on the nearest Sunday to St. George's day whatever the weather.

I appreciate that there is more than St. George for home nation saints within the UK. This written by someone whose birthday is on St. Patrick's Day. And yes, St, David and St. Andrew can't be missed off the list either. When I was a Girl Guide, we used to learn about the components of the Union Flag and memorised the home saints and their respective days. Despite being an English lass, I was always drawn to St. Patrick which had more association with birthday cake than the patron saint of Ireland.

There certainly seems more St. George social media traffic today and many posts like the one above have appeared on peoples' pages. Perhaps because folk are on lockdown and therefore have more time on their hands? I have yet to see any red and white bunting appearing in my neighbourhood or the fluttering of the flag of St. George from the roof tops. Perhaps the quarantine restrictions has made these items 'non essential.' It was likely St. George was an officer in the Roman Army, so in an area with strong connection to the Romans you would hope that someone might take the plunge! 

Of course, based on fact, St. George's story, like many others, has evolved and changed over the years. Seen as a true hero of the medieval period, it is more likely that he died for his Christian faith under the Emperor Diocletian. I am not sure what is more exciting here - St. George and his mythological dragon slaying or Diocletian retiring as Roman Emperor to grow vegetables in his Croatian gardens. History can tell such great tales!

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