United Kingdom National Symbols: National Day
Saint Patrick's Day (National Day of Northern Ireland)
Date
March 17
Background
Saint Patrick was a British priest and missionary who helped spread Christianity in Ireland. Saint Patrick is thought to have used the shamrock, a plant with three-lobed leaves, to teach the concept of the Holy Trinity to the converts. The shamrock, a symbol of spring’s rebirth to the ancient Irish, was already a sacred plant in pre-Christian Ireland. It has become the Irish national emblem and is worn on Saint Patrick’s Day as a symbol of Irish pride and nationalism.
Description
March 17 is a traditional celebration in honor of Ireland’s patron saint and commemorates Ireland’s National Day. In Northern Ireland, considered the home of Saint Patrick, the festivities can last a week. Activities include arts and crafts, face-painting, horse racing, road racing, a fishing tournament, bicycle racing, street parties, concerts, and a parade featuring bands, floats, and costumed participants. Those who wish to indulge in history or spirituality can choose among the Saint Patrick’s Day Walk, the Pilgrimage Walk, and the Shamrock Walk; the latter is a guided tour of cathedrals in the city of Armagh and ends with a hot toddy, singing, and a toast to Saint Patrick.
In London, the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day can also last several days. Festivities include parades, performances featuring traditional Irish music and dance, a presentation of Irish movies, and an exhibit of Irish food and drinks.
Closures
Banks, government offices, business offices, and retail stores (in affected regions only).
Saint George’s Day (National Day of England)
Date
April 23
Background
The most famous legend about St. George is his rescue of a maiden from a fire-breathing dragon. According to lore, Saint George, who lived in the 4th century, became a high-ranking officer in the Roman army at a time when Rome was persecuting Christians; he was arrested and executed for being openly Christian. English crusaders in the Middle Ages believed that they were under St. George’s protection; Edward III chose St. George as the patron saint of the Order of the Garter, Britain’s highest and oldest order of knighthood. English knights used St. George’s name as a battle cry when they fought the French in the Hundred Years War. The British national flag, the Union Jack, bears St. George’s symbol (also called St. George’s cross)—a red cross on a white background.
Description
April 23 is a traditional celebration in honor of England’s patron saint and serves as England’s National Day. Parish churches in England fly St. George’s cross to mark the saint’s feast day. Commemorative activities include an open-air screening of British comedy films in Trafalgar Square; a town transformed into a medieval village in Manchester; and a re-enactment of St. George’s battle with the dragon in Coventry. Guildford, Surrey organizes a special farmers’ market, and the town of Leicester holds daylong festivities.
Closures
None
Saint Andrew’s Day (National Day of Scotland)
Date
November 30 (or the nearest Monday if it falls on a weekend)
Background
St. Andrew was one of Jesus’ 12 Apostles. According to tradition, the ancient Romans used an X-shaped, or diagonal, cross to execute him. Scotland’s flag (also known as Saltire) features St. Andrew’s cross, a white X-shaped cross on a blue background; it has been Scotland’s emblem since the 12th century. According to tradition, the saint’s relics were brought to a place that became the city of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland. St. Andrew’s Cathedral was built there in the 11th century, and St. Andrews became a religious center in the Middle Ages.
Description
November 30 is a traditional celebration in honor of Scotland’s patron saint and commemorates Scotland’s National Day. This is a voluntary public holiday, and employers are not required to give employees a day off. St. Andrew’s Day is associated with Advent and signals the start of the Christmas bazaars. Events are mostly focused on traditional Scottish music and folk dancing (known as ceilidh). British embassies all over the world fly the Saltire and host Scottish-themed receptions featuring Scottish food and whiskey.
Closures
Banks, government offices, business offices, and retail stores (Scotland only).
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