Coat of arms of Portugal I became a dragon, probably associated to the adoption of Saint George as the patron saint of Portugal. Until the 17th century, the dragon was represented in "or", but since then, it started to be represented in "vert". This change of color was probably due to the ascension to the throne, in 1640, of the House of Braganza, which had the green as its livery color, this also becoming the national color of Portugal. During the period of the House of Braganza, two dragons "vert" became frequently used as the supporters of the Portuguese Royal shield. Other of the external
Saint Sylvia of Aquitaine Saint Sylvia of Aquitaine Saint Sylvia of Aquitaine was a fourth century pilgrim from Aquitaine. She was the sister of Rufinus, the prime minister of the Byzantine Empire under Theodosius and Arcadius. Palladius' "Lausiac History" tells she journeyed in the age of 60, and prided in her ascetic habits. In the late 19th century she was thought the author of a detailed pilgrimage account, which is now attributed to Egeria. Her feast day is celebrated on November 5th and she is the patron saint of pregnant women. She is the mother of Saint Gregory the Great who was also a