George, Saint
Saint, a Christian martyr who was put to death at Nicomedia in 303. The history of St. George is obscure, his existence even having been called in question. It is beyond reasonable doubt, however, that he lived and was put to death for his faith during Diocletian's persecution. He was venerated by the eastern church, and in the fourteenth century, under Edward III, was adopted as the patron saint of England. Many legends are told of Saint George. The best known is of his contest with a dragon. A ballad recounting this adventure is given in Percy's Reliques. The dragon in the story is supposed to represent the devil; and Sabra, the king's daughter, whom he rescues from the dragon, represents the church. The twenty-third of April, the date of martyrdom, is called St. George's day. It was at one time the day when new leases and contracts were made. A celebrated painting of St. George and the dragon is preserved in the Hermitage Museum at St. Petersburg. The saint is represented in armor and mounted on a white horse. He is charging the dragon, which, apparently turning to flee, is transfixed by George's spear.