Each country within the British Isles has its own unique day, represented by a saint. Most people know of the saints but do not know the story behind why they are so important to the cultural identity of their nations. Here we will learn the most important aspects of each famous saint.
Saint George
The patron saint of England. His emblem is a red cross on a white background, it is also part of the flag of Great Britain - The Union Jack. Although patron saint of England St George was born in Turkey in the 3rd century.
St George is often depicted with a lance fighting a dragon. Of course this is unlikely to have ever happened. However it could be symbolic as St George was a Christian martyr and in a way did fight a dragon otherwise known as 'The Beast' or Satan.
He was a Roman soldier, famous for his bravery in battle. Despite serving under a Pagan emperor St George held firm to his Christian faith. He in fact protested against the persecution of Christians by the Romans. For this he was tortured and killed, dying as a martyr for Christ.
St George's day, England's National day is April the 23rd. It is celebrated in the form of parades often featuring a mock St George and dragon.
Saint Andrew
The patron saint of Scotland. He was one of Jesus twelve disciples, brother of Simon-Peter. He worked as a fisherman in Galilee (modern day Israel).
St Andrew like Jesus himself was crucified for his Christian beliefs and also died a martyr. He was said to have been crucified on a X-shaped cross or "saltire". This was at his own request as he had stated he was not worthy of being crucified the same as Jesus. This is what has now become known as The St Andrews cross.
The other strong emblem of Scotland is a thistle. As the legend goes; some Scots were sleeping in a field when bloodthirsty Vikings crept up to attack them. One of the Vikings stood barefoot on a thistle, the barbed prickles sent a shooting pain up his body and caused him to yell out. This woke the Scots and allowed them time to fight off the Vikings.
The St Andrew's day is November the 30th. In Scotland it is celebrated with traditional Celtic folk music including bagpipes and dancing.
Saint David
The patron saint of Wales. Saint David was a Celtic monk, abbot and bishop. who lived in the sixth century. He was a well known preacher in Wales where he spread the gospel of Christ. His name is 'Dewi Sant' in the traditional welsh Gaelic language.
The most famous miracle that is said to have occurred during his life was when he was preaching to a large crowd, those at the back complained of not hearing him. The ground is said to have risen up under Saint David allowing them a better view. At this time it is said a white dove was seen settling on his shoulder, a symbol of gods grace and blessing. He is believed to have lived around 100 years, angels were said to be present at his death.
The national emblems of Wales are Daffodils or Leeks. Which are worn on Saint David's day. It is thought that the symbol of leeks originated from when on the eve of a great battle with the Saxons the Welshmen were advised by Saint David to wear leeks in their caps to identify one another.
Saint David's day is the 1st of March. It is celebrated with parades, celtic music and often the Welsh symbol of the red dragon.
Saint Patrick
More recently you might be fooled into thinking he is the patron saint of alcohol. Saint Patrick is in fact the patron saint of Ireland and Northern Ireland. He was born in Wales around AD 385. Was said to have been captured by pirates before escaping their tyranny and training as a missionary.
The most famous legend of Saint Patrick is him 'driving the snakes out of Ireland'. He achieved this it is said with a holy stick that was serpentine in appearance. The snakes thought it was a bigger snake and scared were driven over to England. The story of which there are many versions is perhaps a metaphor for driving out the Pagan religion in Ireland.
The Shamrock, an important symbol of Ireland is said to have been taken up by Saint Patrick in his teachings. He is said to have explained that the three different leaves of the plant are like the trinity of the father, the son and the holy spirit; all separate parts of the same entity. Shamrocks also symbolize good luck.
Saint Patrick's day is celebrated on the 17th of March. It is usually celebrated with parades in which green, the national color is ever-present. Drinking lots of Irish Guinness beer is a common part of the day.
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