Apr 23, 2020
St. George's Day 2020
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle, illustrated by British guest artist Robin Davey, commemorates St. George’s Day. On the annual celebration of the patron saint, England celebrates St. George and his representation of values like bravery, integrity, and leadership.
According to legend, St. George single-handedly slew a dragon to rescue a city under siege. For centuries, he captured the English imagination; in fact, King Henry V’s veneration for St. George was even immortalized in William Shakespeare’s eponymous play about the monarch.
St. George was declared England’s patron saint in 1348, and in 1415 St. George’s Day was inaugurated as a national feast day in his honor. Today, the special day lives on as a testament to England’s culture and unique traditions through activities like morris dancing (a rural folk custom) and medieval jousting.
Happy St. George’s Day!
Guest Artist Q&A with Robin Davey
Today’s Doodle was illustrated by British guest artist Robin Davey. Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:
Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?
A: As a Briton living abroad, it was nice to make something connected to my home country.
Q: What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the project?
A: My mum, who checks the Doodle daily, will be thrilled :)
Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?
A: I wanted to reframe the story of George and the dragon as one of friends, not adversaries.
Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?
A: That peaceful cooperation with our neighbours is preferable to conflict.
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