Legend of Saint George: Discover the story
April 23rd, Sant Jordi's Day, is known for authors signing books in Barcelona's main streets and lovers exchanging roses. But what's the story behind this tradition?
The story of Saint George
The legend of Saint George tells how, centuries ago, a dragon, capable of poisoning the air and killing with its breath, lived in Montblanc (Tarragona) and terrorized all the inhabitants of the area. To appease the monster's ferocity, they decided to offer the beast one person from the town, chosen by lot, each day. Bad luck fell upon the local princess, who was sent to be devoured by the dragon.
When the princess set out for Montblanc, Saint George appeared to rescue her on a white horse. The armored rider pierced the dragon with his sword, freeing all the beast's inhabitants. From the giant reptile's blood sprang a rosebush with the reddest roses anyone had ever seen. Saint George picked the most beautiful one and gave it to the princess.
This act of bravery is the origin of the tradition of giving roses on April 23rd. The addition of a book was made because Sant Jordi coincides with International Book Day.
The exchange of flowers was already practiced in medieval times. Back then, it was customary to visit the Chapel of Sant Jordi in the Palau de la Generalitat, where a rose fair, also known as the lovers' fair, was held. Today, in addition to the festivities in Barcelona, theatrical and musical performances are held in Montblanc to revive the legend. In its old town, there is a gateway, the Portal de Sant Jordi, through which, it is said, the knight passed after slaying the dragon.
A true legend that remains alive and that every year, lovers revive by bringing a rose to their loved one, just as Saint George did in his day.
1 comment
San Jorge, el Santo Patron de tantos paises y tantos lugares!
Gracias a este articulo, he descubierto que, en Cataluña, fue en Montblanc cuando Sant Jordi libero a la princesa del Dragon. Entiendo ahora porque se regala una rosa en dicha conmemoracion.
Muchas gracias.