St. GEORGE Patron saint of England. He is said to have been martyred at Lydda in Palestine, probably under Diocletian, but the other elements of his legend are doubtful. The story of Saint George and the Dragon, evidently derived from the Perseus legend, first appears in the sixth century. The devotion or homage to St. George was introduced into Western Europe by the Crusaders, and the day of his martyrdom is celebrated as his feast day, which is April 23rd.
ORDERS of KNIGHTHOOD, are fraternities carrying with them the rank of knight, admission to which is granted as a mark of royal favor or as a reward for public services. During the Middle Ages such fraternities fell into 2 classes, religious and secular. The first class, for example the Templars(q.v.), and Knights of St. John, consisted of knights who had taken religious vows and devoted themselves to military service against the Saracens or other non-christians. The secular Orders probably arose from bands of knights engaged in the service of a prince or great noble,who wore his badge or emblem of his patron saint.
HERALDRY, is the science of armorial bearings or devices blazoned on shields and armour. It has developed since the 13th Century, and arose partly from the custom of wearing closed helmets, making armorial bearings necessary for identification. Heraldry was a prerogative of the ruling class, being a sign of noble rank.Complete armorial bearings consist of a motto, crest, helmet, lambrequin(a cloth covering for the helmet), coronet, shield(usually quartered) and mantle.
LINKS.
St. ANDREW Patron saint of Scotland. (He died c. 70 A.D.) Apostle.
A native of Bethsaida, he was Simon Peter's brother. With Peter, James and John, who worked with him as fishermen at Capernaum, he formed the inner circle of the twelve disciples. According to tradition he went with John to Ephesus,preached in Scythia, and was crucified on an X-shaped cross(St. Andrew's cross). His feast day is held on the 30th of November
