Patron Saints and National Flowers

Each UK nation has a patron saint with a special day and an associated flower: St David (Wales, 1 March, daffodil/leek); St Patrick (Northern Ireland, 17 March, shamrock); St George (England, 23 April, rose); St Andrew (Scotland, 30 November, thistle). Only Scotland and Northern Ireland have their patron saint's day as an official holiday (though not all Scottish businesses close). Parades and festivals are still held across all four nations to celebrate these days.