English people waking up this morning ready to fly their St George‘s flag might be surprised to find out they’ve got the date wrong. Typically, St George’s Day is celebrated on April 23 each year.
The legend of St George, who famously slayed a dragon, has made him a revered figure and patron saint in England. Known as the Feast of St George, the day is celebrated by countries and Christian churches globally. King Edward III declared St George the Patron Saint of England when he established the Order of the Garter in his name back in 1350. Despite not being English, St George was seen as a figure who represented the qualities that the kingdom wanted to portray to the world.
But this year is a bit different. If you’re celebrating today, you’re actually five days early. The Church of England has postponed this year’s celebration to Monday, April 28. This is because church rules state that any saint’s day that falls during Holy or Easter week is moved to the week following the Easter fortnight, typically the first Monday.
So, St George’s Day has been ‘transferred’ from today, Wednesday, April 23, to next Monday, April 28. Downing Street held a reception yesterday evening to commemorate the day of England’s patron saint, reports the Express. The Church of England provided guidance regarding the celebration dates for patron saints, saying: “When St George’s Day or St Mark’s Day falls between Palm Sunday and the Second Sunday of Easter inclusive, it is transferred to the Monday after the Second Sunday of Easter. If both fall in this period, St George’s Day is transferred to the Monday and St Mark’s Day to the Tuesday.”
Downing Street revealed that the PM will be throwing a special bash to mark St George’s Day. “The prime minister will host a St George’s Day reception in Downing Street to celebrate the very best of our nation’s music, culture and sport.” It said. “He is the first prime minister to personally host a St George’s Day reception.”
Further details about the reception emerged as they said: “He will discuss the importance of modern patriotism to make working people’s lives better and meet with public sector workers across the NHS and police as part of the Plan for Change.”
The occasion marks six years since the last shift of St George’s Day back in 2019. St George’s Day festivities usually include events packed with traditionally British activities, from lively pub celebrations and hearty Sunday roasts to a multitude of parades, folks donned in Saint George’s Crosses, church ceremonies, and even a dash of Morris dancing.
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