This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Expat Life - Curious about George?

St George's Day

This week the English celebrated St George’s Day on April 23. Here in America, many locals are unaware as to who he is. St George is England’s Patron Saint. Historical facts on this crusader can be found at the dedicated website  www.stgeorgesday.com

Ofcourse St Patrick is well known here as the Patron Saint of Ireland and their day is celebrated in our New Jersey schools and pre-schools with the creation of Leprechaun traps, green bagel snacks, hidden gold coins, and more. Even in English schools in the 1970s I do not recall celebrating St George in such an enthusiastic way!

Who's your favorite George - USA v UK?

Here are some more familiar Georges in these parts!

USA : According to local legend, George Washington, stayed in Maplewood NJ once at his cousin’s home – the Timothy Ball house - located on Ridgewood Road. He was ofcourse America's 1st President and is pictured on every $1 bill.

Find out what's happening in Maplewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

UK : Prince George – the future heir to the English throne who at 2 months old has recently traveled to Australia and New Zealand with his parents on his first world tour. He's quite the trendsetter with a wardrobe of stylish outfits. 

Who's your favorite?

Find out what's happening in Maplewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

George phrases

"By George" is the modern version of the old battle cry of English soldiers, most well known in Shakespeare's Henry V where the King shouts: for Harry, England and St George! April 23rd is also Shakespeare's birthday. This year marks the 450th anniversary of his birth. He is the most famous English playwright and worthy of much celebration.

"By George I think she's got it" is the phrase used by Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady to exclaim his surprise that Eliza Dolittle finally annunciates in a 'proper' English accent, losing her cockney twang.

National celebrations

In English towns around the country this weekend there will be St George's Day parades by the local boy scouts and girl guides. Years ago the English would have worn red roses in their lapels, 'Jerusalem' would have been sung in churches across the land, and the English flags would be flown. It is not a public holiday though. Each April I host an event with the local British Expats to mark the day, but to be fair, if I lived in England I probably wouldn't be calling my friends and inviting them over for a party. Generally, national pride and allegiances seem to have switched from saints to soccer teams and sports events, and they are the occasion for major celebration and flag waving. We will hopefully have more cause for partying at the World Cup!

St George is also known as the champion of the medieval legend where the soldier slays the dragon to save the princess. Pubs in England have been named after the legend. 

The pub in Maplewood village is named after the Guinness factory I believe - St James Gate. It serves some decent British favorites. Our Highland Place restaurant also has its own Expats Corner of the menu for when sausage rolls are craved!

For information about living in Maplewood and surrounding areas check out my website www.the-british-agent.com. I'd be happy to show you around.

Karen Westwood - The British Agent - Keller Williams Mid-Town Direct Realty.

Each office is independently owned and operated.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?