Happy St. George's Day to all my family and friends in England........and those of you who have crossed oceans but continue to celebrate your 'Englishness' elsewhere.It was good to hear that Prime Minister Gordon Brown marked today by flying St. George's flag over No. 10 Downing Street - a symbol that was lacking in recent years.
For England, St. George's Day marks its National Day. Traditional customs include wearing a red rose in one's lapel, singing the beautiful hymn "Jerusalem" in a cathedral, church or chapel......................and then heading on over to the local pub for a quick pint which, as you probably know, is the Englishman's cure for everything!!
Below are the powerful words of William Blake's poem which, set to amazing music by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry, was a hymn/song every English child learned at an early age. We always loved to sing it and I must admit it still brings tears to my eyes and pride to my heart.
Jerusalem
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green
And was the holy lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark Satanic mills
Bring me my bow of burning gold
Bring me my arrows of desire
Bring me my spears o'clouds unfold
Bring me my chariot of fire
I will not cease from mental fight
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
'Til we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land
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Happy St George's Day, Mary!
ReplyDeletePat
Happy St. George's Day to you, Mary. I did not know about this English tradition...I'm glad you have enlightened us!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful poem/hymn; I don't believe I've ever heard the music for it.
I stopped by to let you know I did a little post today about those Trader Joe's croissants and gave you the credit for bringing them to my attention.
My sympathies and heart go out to you at the loss of your beloved aunt. In my own family we have just one aunt left, all the others from our parents' generation are gone...it is sad and almost incomprehensible thing; I do understand.
Blessings to you.
Sara
Happy St. George Day, Mary. I know you can do the flower in your lapel, but not so sure you will find the pub.
ReplyDeleteMy George is flying home today and I am here in Holland for another 10 days.
Nancy
Lovely post Mary - This is my husband's favourite hymn.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your Auntie.
God bless,
Lynn
Mary, Yes, Happy St. George's! This is all very new and interesting to me. You have sparked a little trip to Wiki. So I'm off to investigate... Hope you are having a great week.
ReplyDeleteMary, even though I have heard the hymn Jerusalem, I was not familiar with all the traditions of St. George's Day that you have shared with us. I am not at all surprised that you are deeply moved by the words, England is your first home.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that 10 Downing had not been flying the flag? Was it something to do with Tony Blair?
Happy St George's Day to you too! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you blogged this! I didn't, as I knew that Nichgull would!!
ReplyDeleteAnd he did!
Hope you are well. Sal;-)
I came over from Sara's blog. I just had to tell you we eat the same breakfast! including the Greek style yogurt.
ReplyDeleteHappy St George's Day to you!
How interesting! Thank you for sharing that. I didn't know.
ReplyDeleteLynn
If you want to hear this stirring hymn, watch "chariots of Fire" --its in there for one.
ReplyDeleteIt's about time for Parliament not to be afraid or embarrassed to be English. We don't ever worry about flying the EU flag but somehow flying the Georgina cross is frowned upon. I'm surprised, Brown, of all people acquiesced.