Saint George's Day

England's Saint George's Day (23rd April) obviously doesn't have the same appeal in America as Saint Patrick's Day, or Bastille Day or Cinco De Mayo for that matter.  No prizes for guessing why. And yet it is surprising to many in the U.S. to hear that the vast majority of English people know little more about Saint George's Day than their American cousins.

Not only is Israeli-born George (of the dragon fame) the Patron Saint of of England, he's also the main man in the saint department in Canada, Ethiopia, Greece, Georgia, Montenegro, Catalonia and Serbia. The patron saint of Moscow to name one more.

A prominent soldier in the Roman army, George was born in 27 AD, some 1700 years ago and was given sainthood for refusing to carry out the persecution of the Christians as decreed by the torturing Romans.

According to British Heritage. Saint George was said to have died on April 23rd, which is by coincidence also the birth and death date of that other eternal English warrior (of words), William Shakespeare.

The English banner of Saint George is actually a white flag with a red cross, not the Union Jack of Great Britain. And British Heritage is determined to boost morale in these troubled economic times of political unrest by promoting the acknowledgment and celebration of Saint George's Day with traditional feasts and special events around the country. Sounds to me like a load of flags, football, pubs and parties...

Sounds like a grand excuse for stashing a six pack of Bass Ale in the fridge and a dinner of bangers and mash. Maybe even some Yorkshire Pudding mid-week, which really would be a decadent Wednesday night display of culinary heritage. Coleman's mustard on the side. Mushy peas, anyone?

Thanks to Lindsey for this lovely photo taken on a World War II living history evacuation into the English countryside!

Comments

[Lesley]

What time should I come over?

[Frances]

Are you psychic, or just busy ironing the flag?

[Lindsey]

Ooh, how bad of me. I didn't realise it was today! Just to prove your point.....maybe fish and chips tonight, then!

[Frances]

Do you still have a good, traditional chippie in your neighborhood, or have they all disappeared in preference of panini bars and tapas?

[Lindsey]

No, we have three really good chippies within a one mile radius, which is handy. Or dangerous!!

[Frances]

I settled for serving up a dinner of Toad in the Hole with beans and mashed potato, followed by homemade cherry Bakewell tart. Low cal, low carb. Not! One of the boys had a classmate over for dinner while doing a French culture point project. Poor girl must have thought us a bit extreme in the ex-pat family dining experience. Until I explained the significance of St George's Day and our small role in reviving traditions at the table. Steak au poivre with frites would have been more in keeping with their project. A very multicultural evening!