During humanities this year we looked at the patron saints of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and how their flags make up the Union Jack. Today, April 23rd is St George's day.
This is the flag of St George and he is the patron saint of England, famous for slaying a dragon and rescuing a princess. But there are many interesting facts about St George and St George's day, did you know:
- It is customary for people to wear our national flower, a red rose, in their button hole.
- A red cross on a white background was St. George's emblem and was adopted by Richard the Lion Heart in the 12th century to avoid confusion in battle.
- St. George was thought to be a Roman Solider who protested against the Romans' torture of Christians.
- St. George was born in Turkey.
- St. George has never been to England.
- He was made patron saint of England in 1350 by Edward III.
- He is also the patron saint of Aragon, Catalonia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Palestine, Portugal and Russia.
