Shopping Basket

Behind-The-Books Blog

Happy St George’s Day!

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

For most of us, Friday 23rd April will just be an ordinary day. No fireworks; no day off; barely any celebratory flags and banners or themed events going on at local pubs; and few – if any – people walking the streets with daft hats on their heads singing the national anthem… Why is it that we English are so bad at celebrating our own patron saint’s day? Is it that good ol’ English reserve kicking in, or just plain old ignorance?

Apparently, despite the fact that St George has been the patron saint of England since the 14th century, only one in five people know when St George’s Day is and over a quarter of people living in England don’t even know who their patron saint actually even is! You’d be hard-pushed to find an Irishman who hadn’t heard of St Patrick!

I think today should become a new Bank Holiday (complete with maypole dancing, Morris dancers and a Punch & Judy show) but, failing that, why not wear a red rose in your button hole, eat some fish and chips (our nation’s favourite dish) or just go out and raise a toast to our dragon-slaying national saint? It’s as good an excuse as any for a night out!

I leave you with an interesting St George’s Day fact for the literary lovers: did you know that Shakespeare was born on 23rd April 1564 and he died on the same day in 1616?

Louise Watson, Editor

Leave a Comment

  • Currently we are...

  • ...Recommending

    Sara: Corialanus. I love the way Ralph Fiennes has made this story so relevant to modern life, while still retaining Shakespeare's language. I did think Mr Fiennes was guilty of overacting at some points, but I suppose that's what he does...

  • ...Reading

    Persuasion, by Jane Austen. Sara: Yes, I'm still on my Jane Austen kick. After this one I will try reading something new...

  • ...Loving

    Chiara: Biona Organic products.

  • ...Realising

    Lesley: Wooly hat + overlong fringe = health hazard.