A party postponed
From Mr David Nicholls Sir: In the 'special issue' of 1 April, among the many articles lauding England and all things English there appeared references to the fact that Shakespeare's birthday falls on St George's Day. But there will be disap- pointment for those hoping for the usual double party this year, for not only has the feast suffered at the hands of officialdom forbidding celebrations in the manner of the Irish on St Patrick's Day, but it has suf- fered at the hands of the ecclesiastics who invented the feast and its saint in the first place.
April 23 2000 is, of course, Easter Sun- day, and, so that the celebration of Christ defeating death might not be overshadowed by the myth of St George defeating the dragon, St George's Day has been trans- ferred to 2 May, a week later — at least. that is, by the Established Church. Those Who linger still in the grasp of Rome must wait until 5 May, it being the first free day after the Octave of Easter.
Still, those diehards who wish to go ahead and party on 23 April may be paci- fied to learn that 'prayers for the nation' may be offered on Easter Sunday. But will they be offered for the English nation, or for the entire Union?
David Nicholls
Ruislip, Middlesex
Previous page
