St. George was a very brave saint who lived in Rome a long time ago. There is a story that they tell here in Barcelona of when St. George slayed a dragon (or Alligator) because the dragon had the princess and was guarding the stream where the towns people would get their water. When St. George slayed the dragon a rose grew out of the blood and St. George gave the rose to the princess. So on every April 23rd men give roses to women and women give books to men but women also wanted books so sometimes men give women books too.
I love the St. George story. There is a statue of him in almost every country in Europe. I remember one when we were in Prague. There is also a really nice one in Germany. We saw 39 steps last night and really likes it. It was amazing that only 4 people were the actors. They said that this has been a record breaking year for Shakespeare Festival. It's been cool in the mornings but in the 80's in the afternoon. Non and Papa miss you and can hardly wait to see you. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat story! But what's the significance of the books?
ReplyDeleteI was wondering the same thing - why give books? Interesting! I love the pic of you and Harry at night with the fountain. You look like you have just finished your opening song for a Broadway musical about two young explorers in Barcelona! Remember, anytime you need me to come over there and help you out with all the awesomeness - I mean, schoolwork - you let me know! I'm sure the other kids won't mind... :)
ReplyDeleteCervantes & Shakespeare both died on April 23, so.... a very clever book seller in 1923 began the tradition of giving books. Barcelona is the publishing capital of the Spanish speaking world & St George is the patron saint of Catalonia... the result is Love & Literacy :)
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