The legend of Sant Jordi, one of the most revered narratives in Catalan culture, fuses romance, bravery and the symbol of the rose in a celebration that has transcended generations. In this enchanting story, the brave knight Sant Jordi confronts a brutal and ruthless dragon to save the princess and her people, in an act of heroism that becomes an enduring symbol of love, loyalty and courage.
The legend of the rose and the dragon
According to legend, in a faraway kingdom, a Dantesque dragon terrorized the inhabitants, demanding the sacrifice of young girls as tribute from time to time. When it was the princess's turn, Sant Jordi, a noble and valiant knight, came to her rescue on his white steed. With skill and courage, he managed to defeat the dragon and free the princess from her terrible fate.
The legend reaches its climax when, from the spilled blood of the dragon, a beautiful rosebush sprouts. Sant Jordi, in a gesture of love and gratitude, takes a rose and offers it to the princess as a symbol of his victory and affection. Since then, April 23 is celebrated in Catalonia as Saint George's Day, honoring this heroic act and the tradition of giving a rose as a symbol of love and admiration.
The symbolism in this story
This work is not just a tale about a hero saving a princess, but is ultimately a powerful metaphor for the constant struggle between good and evil. It is a metaphor about courage, determination, bravery, generosity and the importance of the people: of the collective and that which, in the end, binds us together.
It also speaks of overcoming fear and of courage as an essential quality to achieve metamorphosis. This reading, from a more Jungian perspective, applies to the continuous process of personal transformation. It is necessary to engage in this battle to improve and reach our truth.
The red rose in the hands of the princess, arising from the blood of the dragon, is a profound metaphor of this process, of how honesty is achieved and that, from the ashes of evil, peace and beauty are reborn.
Sant Jordi's Day is a unique celebration in which the streets are filled with stalls of books and roses, turning the cities into a sea of colors and fragrances. It is an occasion to celebrate literature, love and culture, where couples exchange roses and books as a token of appreciation and affection.
This charming tradition has transcended the borders of Catalonia and has become a symbol of culture and romance around the world. This touching story reminds us of the importance of courage, love, generosity and the search for good, universal values that have endured throughout time.
In our Va de Rosas catalog you will find all our eternal rose models, which, wrapped in the aura of all the symbolism explained above, are the perfect gift to show your affection this April 23rd.