St George's Day is nearing - a mythical celebration of a mysterious man now celebrated through beer, scones and bunting.
Supposedly of Middle Eastern origin born in the AD200's, St George became a Roman soldier and rose through the ranks until opposing the persecutions of Christians where St George (or just George, at the time) protested against his Pagan leader who lead the executions. It is said St George was tortured and eventually beheaded for his beliefs, but the Emperor's wife was apparently so inspired by his dedication that she too became a Christian, and was subsequently executed.
St George's dragon is also a beast of legend, told over centuries and across continents in an elaborate game of Chinese Whispers. Some believe Medieval interpretations were adapted from Greek Mythology, others sound more akin to folklore and fairytales - but the image of a soldier on horseback slaying a serpent, beast or dragon has remained clear, from Ancient Egypt to modern English.
How this quite lead to English bunting no one knows, but here we are to celebrate our inspirational cultures and religions and all that they strive for.
Monday 23rd April (next week) I will be serving tea and scones while running a flag making workshop from 3 - 5pm at Pembroke House Upper Hall (the church hall) where we will be sewing, gluing and cutting flags from the fabric of our local East Street market.
Open to the public and all ages, do pop in and help us create Pembroke People bunting!
From 5 - 7pm I will then be running Dragon Slaying Lessons: Pinata Workshop with Pembroke House youth group where we will be making and slaying our dragons in the Lower Hall and Pembroke Community Garden.
Happy St George's Day for Monday 23rd April!
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