St. George's Day

April 23 is St. George's Day, Patron Saint of England, and slayer of dragons.

The Tradition of St. George's Day tells us what little is actually known about the man and the legend. He lived in the 4th century AD and was a Roman soldier. He expresssed his displeasure at the Emperor's persecution of Christians and totally lost his head on April 23, 303.

The only connection he seems to have had with England was that he spent time there during his military service. As for dragons, the only connection appears to be that the emperor was sometimes referred to as "the dragon", but the results of that fight are contrary to the legend.

St. George became Patron Saint of England in about 1344 or 1348. He is also the patron of many other countries, cities, boy scouts, sufferers of syphilis, and many others to boot.