Celebrating Saint Andrew in Scotland: A Unique Tradition

The Scots Celebrate Saint Andrew in Style

As the autumn leaves fall and the wind sharpens to a frigid bite, the Scottish people gear up to celebrate their national saint, Saint Andrew, on 30 November. Though Scotland shares custody of Saint Andrew with Greece, Russia, Amalfi, and Barbados, the Scots have a unique way of commemorating their saintly icon.

According to Christian teachings, Saint Andrew was one of Jesus Christ’s twelve disciples. He and his brother, Simon Peter, were fishermen in Galilee when they met Jesus and became his first disciples. Saint Andrew was ultimately martyred for his beliefs, nailed upon an X-shaped cross in Greece on 30 November 60AD. This diagonal cross became his symbol, and the last day in November was designated as his saint day.

Some of Saint Andrew’s relics made their way to Scotland, including a kneecap, arm, and finger bone. Legend has it that Saint Rule was instructed by an angel to take some of Saint Andrew’s relics and establish a church wherever his ship would be shipwrecked. The ship landed in Kilrymont, which was later renamed St. Andrews, becoming an important pilgrimage site.

St. Andrews Cathedral was built to house the relics, but they were destroyed in the Scottish Reformation. To make up for this loss, the Archbishop of Amalfi gifted a piece of Saint Andrew’s shoulder blade to Scotland.

Saint Andrew is known as the patron saint of fishermen, fishmongers, singers, and pregnant women, offering protection against sore throats and gout.

The celebration of Saint Andrew’s Day in Scotland dates back to 1000 AD, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that it became an annual event. The tradition began overseas in the United States, where Scottish immigrants established the St. Andrew’s Society of Charleston in 1729, promoting philanthropic ideals.

Today, Saint Andrew’s Day is an official bank holiday in Scotland, celebrated with traditional recitations, cuisine, and ceilidh dancing. Different regions of Scotland have specific events and traditions to honor Saint Andrew, such as the Saltire Festival in East Lothian and the torchlight procession in Glasgow.

So, whether you’re in Scotland or elsewhere in the world, raise a glass on 30 November to Saint Andrew and the rich and generous Scottish culture that continues to thrive.