St. George's Day Trivia Questions

Despite being England's patron saint day, it is not a public holiday. Celebrations are low-key compared to St. Patrick's Day in Ireland or Scotland's St. Andrew's Day.

St. George's Day is barely observed in the US. Dragon piñatas and medieval fairs are not traditional—this was invented for the quiz. The day has no mainstream American customs.

The dragon story comes from the 13th-century 'Golden Legend' set in Libya, not England. St. George was a Roman soldier, not a knight, and was martyred for his Christian faith.

Pope Urban II granted the red cross to English crusaders as a symbol in 1189. It later evolved into the national flag of England.

St. George was actually born in Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) and likely never set foot in England. His legend came to England via Crusaders.

Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, which is also the traditional date of St. George's Day. Both share the same calendar date, though the Bard's birth is uncertain.

St. George is patron saint of at least 17 countries, including Portugal, Ethiopia, Georgia, and Greece. His cult spread widely through the Byzantine Empire and Crusades.

Some historians suggest the 'dragon' story originated from encounters with Nile crocodiles in Roman Libya. The word 'dragon' comes from Greek 'drakon' meaning 'serpent'.