St Andrew's Day
St Andrew's Day
When is Saint Andrew’s Day?
Saint Andrew’s Day is celebrated on 30th November. It is a bank holiday in Scotland and if the date falls on a Saturday or Sunday the bank holiday is moved to the following Monday.
What is Saint Andrew’s Day?
Saint Andrew’s Day is the feast day of the patron saint of Scotland. Andrew was born between 5 AD and 10 AD and both he and his older brother Simon Peter were disciples of Jesus Christ. Andrew lived in Galilee where he was a fisherman: humble, kind, compassionate and generous.
Saint Andrew’s Day is marked with a week-long extravaganza showcasing Scotland’s heritage, culture and delicious food. There are performances of music, dancing, poetry and exhibitions of art; food markets serving the very best of locally made food and drink; and free admission for visitors at some of Scotland’s finest historic places.
In recognition of the kindness and generosity of both the saint and the people of Scotland, many of the week’s events are in support of good causes and people are encouraged to perform acts of kindness.
As you might expect, the town of St Andrews celebrates in an exceptionally big way, beginning the week with a ceremonial parade through the streets led by a mass of pipers and drummers. Crowds follow the procession, marching behind the band and waving the Scottish flag.
Why is Saint Andrew’s Day on 30th November?
30th November is believed to be the anniversary of Saint Andrew’s martyrdom in Greece in AD 60. He was crucified on a ‘saltire’ or X-shaped cross at his own request because he considered himself unworthy to die on a cross like Jesus. The saltire has become his symbol.
When was Saint Andrew’s Day first celebrated?
Although Saint Andrew has been patron saint of Scotland since 1320 or possibly even earlier, his feast day was not commonly celebrated until the 18th century, when a Scottish community in the USA decided to celebrate their Scottish roots. Even then it was not widely celebrated and indeed, a survey in 2001 showed that only 22 percent of Scots knew the date of Saint Andrew’s Day.
However, the day has quickly gained recognition. In 2007 it became a bank holiday and today it is widely known as the first of Scotland’s three winter festivals, taking its place before Hogmanay at New Year and Burn’s Night in January. The three winter festivals are celebrated in Scotland and by Scottish communities throughout the world.
Interesting facts about Saint Andrew’s Day
- The Scottish flag is Saint Andrew’s saltire (or X-shaped cross) in white on a blue background. The saltire is one of the three crosses which make up the union flag of Great Britain, known as the Union Jack.
- Saint Andrew is not only the patron saint of Scotland but also of Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. He is also the saint of fishermen, singers, unmarried women and would-be mothers.
- Official records show that Saint Andrew became patron saint of Scotland in 1320. However, according to legend this took place some 500 years earlier in 832 AD. While preparing to go in to battle against the English, the Scottish king prayed to Saint Andrew for help and vowed that if his army won, he would proclaim Saint Andrew the patron saint of Scotland. After a mighty battle, the Scots were victorious and the king fulfilled his promise.
- In medieval times the town of St Andrews was a place of pilgrimage. People came from afar to see St Andrew’s relics – a tooth, kneecap, arm and finger bones – which, according to legend, had been brought to Scotland by a Greek monk known as Saint Rule or Saint Regulus.
