English Members

I shall be celebrating today with a pint or three of proper English ale at my local. They are a brew pub and have produced a "George and Dragon" ale especially for the occasion. Being one quarter Cornish on my dad's side I also celebrated St Piran's day on March 5th with a pint or three of good Cornish ale and a pasty specially shipped in from Ann's pasty shop in Lizard village.

"Trelawny" the Cornish anthem ...

 

merlin said:
I guess my maths when counting calories goes all to pot, so I just give up. :confused: An icy cold Stella can't be beaten any time of the day, though dark beer is my preference later in the day.
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My taste in beer has definitely matured and I like many IPAs, but dark beer or bitter, no way. My husband brews really good beer from kits in our garage. IPA's mainly. Some are dark. He likes the American hops the best.
 
Celebration's around the world...

St George's Day around the world


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St George's Day around the world Credit: ReutersWhile many feel a fierce national pride for the St George's cross and the patron saint's day (23rd April) England in fact shares St George's with a host of other countries and places.
Each has its own unusual customs surrounding his feast day, here is a look at some of the more surprising and unexpected customs surrounding St George's Day.


  • Catalonia, Spain

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A display of roses forms part of the traditional celebration of Sant Jordi's day Credit: ReutersSt George (Sant Jordi) is associated with several places in Spain but one of the most colourful is the Catalonia capital. A public holiday is held in the area and has several similarities with Valentine's Day, with roses and books being exchanged by lovers.
Barcelona's most popular street Las Ramblas becomes awash with flower and book sellers. Catalonia has managed to export the tradition as UNESCO adopted the date as World Book Day.


  • Russia

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People wearing orange Ribbons of St. George in Moscow. Credit: ReutersThe Russian Orthodox Church uses the Julian Calendar so St Geoge's Day is celebrated on the same day but it is 6th May, not 23rd April.
As well as this date Russians also mark the consecration of the Church of St George on 26th November. This was traditionally the time of year when peasants were permitted to move to a different land owner.

While this tradition has died out the Ribbon of St George is still one of the most respected Russian military honours. The black and orange striped ribbon is also used by civilians as a patriotic symbol. It has been seen again recently displayed by separatists in Ukraine as a Russian symbol.


  • Albania

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A man throws twigs in a bonfire Credit: ReutersAlbanians celebrate the day by going out and lighting a fire and playing around it as a sign of joy.


  • Bulgaria

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People roast lambs on a spit for St George's Day in Bulgaria. Credit: ReutersRoasting a whole lamb is traditional on St George's Day in Bulgaria as he is the patron saint of shepherds. It is seen as a day when evil enchantments can be broken and a blessed day when the saint blesses the crop and morning dew, so many walk in the early morning to wash their face in the fresh dew.


  • Croatia

Croatians also use fire to mark St George's Day which is considered the first day of Spring. In the slavic tradition girls are dressed as goddesses in leaves and sing for locals.


  • England

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A group of Morris Dancers perform as part of St George's Day celebrations in Leadenhall Market, in the City financial district of London Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA WireIn the early 15th century the day was celebrated with a major public holiday and was on a par with Christmas.It was only after the union of Scotland and England that the St George's celebrations waned.

One, mostly unobserved, St George's custom is to wearing a red rose in your lapel. The hymn Jerusalem is still often sung and Morris Dancers are also usually much in evidence around England.

Last updated Thu 23 Apr 2015
 
Gee, maybe I can find a group of Morris dancers for entertainment . . . The fun never ends!

So I'm lining up my calendar for the coming year. St. Patrick's Day is March 17; St. George's Day is April 23; when is St. Andrew's Day? And I know it's St. David's Day for Wales but when is that? I'll celebrate all of them!

:partytime:
 
maddyathome said:
How many English people here would describe themselves as British? I always think of myself as English rather than British. I find non Brits call us British.
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I always think of myself as British, as I am not particularly nationalistic, I regard this island we live on as one I guess, saying you are English somehow seems like you are separating yourself or rejecting your fellow islanders in Scotland and Wales.
I regard Ireland as a separate country for the same reason, its an island, though I know the north is technically British.
 

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