 |
Pagans wore talismans as symbols of requests to their
gods to protect them from evil forces. When Christianity spread
throughout Europe, instead of banning that practice, the Church
encouraged people to wear some remembrance of a saint. This not
only helped to convert the pagans it also spread the word of honoring
those saints, many of whom were martyrs. Today, wearing saint
medals is one of the most popular forms of Catholic jewelry.
Legends about Saint George are varied. He is commonly depicted
in early icons, mosaics and frescos wearing armor of the Roman
soldier. After the Crusades he is more often portrayed as being
mounted upon a white horse. He is often associated with another
Roman soldier who became a saint, St. Demetrius, in which the
two represent the manifestations of the archangels Michael and
Gabriel. In Easter traditions St. George always rides a white
horse and Demetrius rides a red horse. St George is also identified
in the act of spearing a dragon. His coat of arms is the Red Cross
on a white banner.
Saint George gold medallion is cast in gold portrays St.
George dressed as a soldier while riding a horse with his banner
displayed. He drives his spear into the heart of a dragon beneath
the horse's feet.
Saint George necklace bears the same die-cast with a filigree
frame around the edges. It also has St. George Pray for Us written
around the inner rim.
Either of these medals are prime examples of Saint George medallion
worn not only to protect but as jewelry and pendants or charms
worn to attract attention and declare one's faith as well.
Military Medals of St. George: US Air Force, U.S. Army,
Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard and Navy as well as medals
for Paratroopers and Emergency Technicians--EMT all carry their
service emblems on the back of each medal of St. George. On the
front, St. George is portrayed dressed as a soldier carrying his
banner while he rides a horse. The dragon lies beneath the horse's
stamping feet while St. George holds his spear in his hand. These
medallions are a unique way of displaying one's occupation as
well as their faith.
The simpler of St. George medals displaying St. George
Anyone can wear a St. George medal. Anyone can bear faith in his
protection and purpose. Some medals serve more as pendants or
necklaces. Most all invoke the request, "St. George Pray
for Us" and will serve any occasions whether religious or
otherwise.
|
