St. George, Dragons, and Red Roses

Welcome back,

Today is St. George’s Day, a day of celebration for those with English roots. While it’s not a statutory holiday in most of Canada, it remains a “Provincial Government Holiday” in Newfoundland and Labrador, where the English heritage runs deep.

  • The Legend: We all know the story of St. George and the Dragon—a tale of courage and standing up for what’s right. In many ways, that reflects the grit of the early settlers who came to the Maritimes and the Prairies to build a life from scratch.

  • How to Mark the Day:

    • Wear a Red Rose: It’s the traditional symbol of the day. If you don’t have a real one, a red scarf or tie will do the trick!

    • The “Proper” Tea: Take a break today for a traditional English treat. Whether it’s a slice of Victoria Sponge or just a digestive biscuit with a strong cup of Red Rose tea (very Canadian!), it’s a nice way to honor the lineage.

A Question for our Readers: “We’d love to hear from you—especially those of you here in the East! Do you find that those old English traditions still pop up in your neck of the woods, or has the classic Nova Scotian ‘kitchen party’ style completely taken over? Share your memories of St. George’s Day or your favorite local traditions in the comments!”

Share with friends and family

Leave a comment