It is St Georges day today, Englands National day.
Unfortunately it is not a public holiday, so Luke had to go to work, but he did wear his St George's Cross cufflinks. He is very proud to be English.
It is a real shame that we do not celebrate this day in the way other countries celebrate their National day although that seems to be starting to change and we saw many shops, pubs and houses displaying the the St George's cross and there was a special farmers day market in a local village near us.
I always think of this poem today, it is normally sung as a hymn. Both Luke and I liked it so much we included it in our wedding service.
Jerusalem by William Blake
And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
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 spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
Happy weekend x
thanks for your nice comment! I love all the recipes on your blog- I will have to try them. Especially the sweets. Yum!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love love love that poem! I first heard it sung on the soundtrack to "Chariots of Fire," and it was love and first sight -- err, listen. :) It's so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that Blake and I got married on St. George's Day. I knew that it was Shakespeare's death (and possibly also birth) day. I guess April 23rd is a great day all around. :)