Here’s a fun little fact to drop at the dinner table: St George is the only saint to be depicted riding a horse in Western iconography. All those paintings of him on a white steed? That’s a medieval design choice, not a biblical decree. Also, the flag of England—the St George’s Cross—is one of the oldest national flags still in use, dating back to the Crusades.
Why is Saint George the Patron Saint of England? | The Irish Sun
Another cultural tidbit: the phrase “by George!” is a mild exclamation that dates back to the 16th century. It was a way to swear without actually swearing, like “by God!” but softer. Next time you stub your toe, try shouting “By George!”—it sounds delightfully old-timey.
And if you ever visit London’s Hyde Park, look for the statue of St George slaying the dragon. It’s a bronze sculpture by Sir Alfred Gilbert, unveiled in 1912. Sit on the bench nearby and watch the people go by—you’re honoring a man who never was in a place that made him their own.
Reflection: What George Teaches Us Today
So, St George never came to England. But his spirit did, and that’s what matters in the end. We adopt symbols that give us strength, even if they originate from faraway lands and centuries past. The dragon we all fight is usually not a monster with scales, but a quiet fear—of failure, of loneliness, of a day wasted.
On your next April 23rd, take a moment. Wear a red rose, drink a toast, or just walk in the spring air. You don’t need a sword or a horse to be brave. Sometimes, the bravest thing is to show up, fly your own flag, and slay the little dragons of your routine. St George might have stayed home, but his lesson traveled well enough.
So raise a glass to a Roman soldier from Turkey who never saw this green and pleasant land. He still became its symbol. And in a way, that’s the most English thing of all—adopting a good story, making it your own, and then politely ignoring the historical details over a pint.
