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Accepted as the Patron Saint of England, St. George is one of the most idolized saints and a great martyr among Christians worldwide.
These Legends sabotaged most of his life story with myths, and therefore it isn’t easy to differentiate between what is a fact and what is fiction.
While many of these legends and myths may have some percentage of truth to them, a major part of them is nothing but made-up stories.
The legends and myths about him are believed to have started around the 12th century and were passed down to the generations after.
Interested in deciphering the truth? If So, please put on your fact goggles, for we have some facts to learn and thoughts to consider.
Patriotic Myths About St George
Here is a bunch of myths that you need to know about St George.
1. He Slew A Dragon
St George is a philanthropist of the Christian community whose bravery and valiance stories are quite the topic of discussion.
One such myth making the rounds is the one where he slew a dragon. This was told by the Crusaders, who learned of him during the medieval age of religious wars and campaigns.
As the legend goes, he came across a village where the local people were terrorized by a dragon and resorted to sacrificing one sheep daily to quench the dragon’s thirst for blood.
Until one day, no sheep were left to offer, and the local children were forced to suffer the dragon’s wrath.
The lottery system of selecting the children for sacrifice was used, and when it happened to be the King’s daughter’s turn, St George turned up and offered to slay the beast.
In his tussle with the dragon, he noticed a half-recovered wound and charged toward it with his sword, leading to the killing of the dragon. A huge feast was called for in his honor. That became an annual tradition and is still practiced as St. George’s Day Celebrations.
2. He Was English
St George may be worshipped as a great patron of the Christian community and a national hero, but the fact that he was born more than 2000 miles away in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) accounts for the fact that he wasn’t English by birth.
Additionally, he is believed to have died in Lydda (modern-day Israel), and there is a Christian Pilgrimage Centre in his tomb.
3. He Was a Knight
The tales of St. George’s bravery and chivalry have been highly acknowledged, and he is often regarded as “The Knight in Shining Armor,” considering his legendary tale of slaying a dragon.
But, if you go deep down into history, you will find that he was more likely an officer in the Roman Army, not a knight or a warrior on horseback.
4. He Was a Martyr
For his stern belief in Christianity and his dying for his faith in the religion, St. George is considered “The Great Martyr.”
It is said that during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian, he was executed for refusing to make a sacrifice in the way of the Pagan Gods. This act of self-sacrifice inspired people all around the world and drew them towards accepting Christianity.
5. He Never Visited England
St George’s reputation and holiness are spread across Europe, and his feast day celebrations that began around the 9th century are still in existence today.
Banners bearing the emblem of St George (white background with a red cross on it) became popular with English Kings Edward I (1272–1307) and Edward III (1327–77).
They also owned a relic of St George’s blood and were strongly interested in his preaching. However, there is not enough proof that he ever visited England.
6. The Dragon Wasn’t Always a Part Of the Story
The images of St George and the Dragon are from the 9th century, 500 years after his death. There is a probability that the elderly made up these stories to depict the victory of good over evil. There is no way to know.
However, the legend of St. George slaying the dragon began making the rounds in the medieval age. Some people also believed that it was a Minotaur and not a dragon.
Therefore, anyone can’t determine the amount of truth to this myth.
7. He Was a Saint For 1000 Years
Pope Gelasius declared George a saint in 494 AD and said he was one of those exemplary names that are justly looked upon among men but whose acts are known only to God.
The Feast of St George was and has been celebrated in England for hundreds of years on the day of his martyrdom (23 April) and is one of the most important feast days in the English Calendar.
8. England is Not the Only Country To Worship St George
Apart from England, St. George’s Day is celebrated in many other countries worldwide, including Canada, Croatia, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Georgia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and the Republic of Macedonia.
He is truly an international saint, and as his patron, many people have their own celebrations and traditions to honor him.
These traditions and celebrations differ from country to country. If you are in Canada for the St. George’s Day holiday and have no idea what to do during your day off, visit Awesome Ways To Spend Holidays In Canada.
9. People Sought Protection From Him
His tales of bravery and fearlessness are, without a doubt, known to the world. Even in the medieval age, his courage inspired many, and many people sought refuge from him.
10. He Represents the Highest Of Honors
The Order of the Garter, or The Garter Badge, is the highest order of chivalry in the country even today, and St George’s cross appears on it.
His image is the pendant on the garter chain. The Garter Badge is presented to those officers who show exceptional qualities of bravery at the time of their duties.
Tap The Order Of The Garter to obtain a list of all the honorable people who received it.
11. Borris Johnson is a Re-Incarnation of St. George Sent To Rescue England
Borris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party, is said to be the re-birth of St George and that he is here to save the country from being doomed.
As much as this myth is cherished by many, it is only a myth.
12. Shakespeare’s Greatest Work Was a Lost Play He wrote On St George
Shakespeare supposedly died on St. George’s Day, but that has nothing to do with his works. There is no mention of St George in any of Shakespeare’s works at all.
Although Shakespeare put forth some intriguing work that is loved and celebrated by literature lovers worldwide even today.
13. St George invented Cheddar Cheese
As surprising as it sounds, another type of cheese is named after him and is exclusively made in Santa Rosa, California.
Originally, Joseph Harding invented cheddar cheese in the 19th century. To find out more, hop on to St-George’s Cheddar and discover everything you need to know about it.
14. St George’s Day is a Bank Holiday
Although it is a day of celebration for The Great Patron of England, it isn’t a public holiday. This implies that banks will be up and running as usual.
15. England Isn’t Named After St George
He is the Patron Saint of England and has many people around him agreeing with his patronage, but the country isn’t named after him.
However, England has adopted his symbol (the red cross) into their flag, and the flag bears it even today.
16. St George’s Day Cannot Be Celebrated In England Anymore Due to Political Barriers
Initially, this was a national holiday, but the tradition died in the 1800s. But, there is still a celebration, and if you are one to participate, stick a flag on your car and grab a beer.
If you’re in Canada wondering how St. George’s Day is celebrated, visit St. George’s Day in Canada.
17. Celebrating St George’s Day Signifies You’re A Racist
People have opposed the celebrations for the last couple of years as they attract unwanted nationalism and racism.
As weird as it sounds, the celebrations are not banned and are still celebrated in a decent way where no racist conduct is entertained.
18. The Pope convicted the Unconventional Legends About St George
We are all aware of how the early Christians exaggerated the tales of their great patrons and martyrs to make them more significant.
Similarly, St George’s stories and myths were made up, and these legends and stories about him were so queer and unnatural that Pope Gelasius of the Roman Catholic Church had to condemn them.
19. He Was Honored In The Byzantine Empire
As discussed before, there is no actual proof of him being a soldier or a part of the military service.
However, he is still considered one of those saints who served as a knight before accepting sainthood, and therefore he is said to have been honored in the Byzantine Empire.
Eventually, the stories of his martyr’s life made him popular in Palestine and the Arabic community.
20. St George Inspired Many Others To Accept Christianity
George’s life and faith in his religion were an inspiration to many people all over the world and led them to adopt Christianity as their religion.
This includes the wife of the same Roman Emperor who beheaded St George for resigning his military post and protesting his religion.
Many other celebrations are declared in the name of many other great saints, like St. Patrick, St. John, and many more. Visit the List of Saints to learn more about the other saints declared by the Roman Catholic Church.
St. Patrick is the other widely celebrated saint in Canada. To get specific details about the festivities on this day, read our article St Patrick’s Day: Facts, History & Traditions.
Closing Thoughts
In the medieval ages, people were highly misguided and on the path to misery. With the constant waging of wars, events, and immense politics on the run, it was almost as if fate completely erased peace from people’s lives.
Many Saints existed in Rome and around the world, and associating their faith with unwanted racism and criticism is highly unjust.
Having somebody to look upon whose life had great examples that show well over evil was important. Therefore, sainthood was a ray of hope to those misguided and looking to be saved.
That is where Saint George comes into the picture.
There are many universities throughout England that hold events in honor of his spirit and to learn more about his life. Also, many students in various George’s schools kids from all grades come together with the teacher to celebrate his way of life and spirit.
Happy St. George’s Day!
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Last Updated on by Priyanshi Sharma