St George’s Day 2021: Why is St George’s Day NOT a bank holiday?

Prince Philip funeral: Coffin carried into St George’s Chapel

In England, St George’s Day is usually celebrated on April 23. According to legend, St George slayed a dragon and he is revered as a patron saint in England. St George’s Day, also called the Feast of St George, is a feast day for countries and Christian churches around the world.

Who was St George?

St George was thought to have been born several centuries ago, around the year 280AD.

Little is known about St George’s early life, however, he was thought to have been born in Cappadocia, situated in modern-day Turkey.

According to tradition, St George was a soldier in the Roman Army, serving under Emperor Diocletian.

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St George’s Day 2021: Why is St George’s Day NOT a bank holiday? (Image: GETTY)

St George’s Day 2021: In England, St George’s Day is usually celebrated on April 23 (Image: GETTY)

Diocletian’s tenure as Emperor oversaw periods of persecution against Christians.

It is believed St George was executed in 303 AD for refusing to make a sacrifice in honour of the pagan gods.

Subsequently, Christians and nations around the world mark St George’s Day on the date of St George’s death, April 23.

Following his death, St George’s remains were taken to Lydda (now Lod, Israel), the homeland of his mother.

St George’s Day 2021: According to legend, one of the best-known stories about St George was that he fought a dragon (Image: GETTY)

St George lived prior to the reign of Emperor Constantine, who several decades after St George’s death would become the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.

Stories of the martyr St George and his courage spread across Europe.

According to legend, one of the best-known stories about him was that he fought a dragon.

King Edward III made St George the Patron Saint of England when he formed the Order of the Garter in St. George’s name in 1350.

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St George’s Day 2021: In England, all shops and workplaces are open as usual on St George’s Day (Image: GETTY) Why is St George’s Day NOT a bank holiday?

In many countries, the day celebrating the nation’s patron saint is often a bank holiday.

For example, St Patrick’s Day is a bank holiday in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

However, in England, all shops and workplaces are open as usual on St George’s Day.

In the past, St George’s Day was celebrated across England as a national event, but recognition of St George’s Day has diminished in recent centuries.

Around this time of year, England has a number of other bank holidays, including two Easter bank holidays for Good Friday and Easter Monday.

There is also another bank holiday date in May.

However, in recent years some have argued St George’s Day should be made a public holiday in England.