Everything you need to know about St Andrew

St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and his saint’s day falls on 30^th November every year. If you’re planning on celebrating this year, here is everything you need to know about St Andrew.

Who was he?

• St Andrew was born around 5AD in the Middle East, somewhere near where modern day Israel is.
• He is an essential part of Christianity – he and his brother were both disciples of Jesus.
• Despite being the Patron Saint of Scotland, there’s nothing to suggest he ever went there.

So why Scotland?

The story of how St Andrew became Scotland’s patron is a little muddled. One story comes from the 9^th Century. It is said that King Angus, who was the leader of what is now the land known as Scotland was preparing for battle against the English.

St Andrew appeared to him in a dream, promising him victory and on the day of the battle, his symbol, an X, appeared in the sky, leading King Angus to declare that if his army won, he would make St Andrew Scotland’s patron saint.

The Scots won and the X has featured on their flag ever since.

Another story claims that the Scots are descended from an ancient population called the Scythians who were converted to Christianity by St Andrew.

Either way, he was officially named the patron saint of Scotland in 1320.

How is St Andrew’s Day celebrated?

In Scotland, there are a host of events that take place and are associated with St Andrew, including ceildhs – traditional Scottish dances.

People also like to eat traditionally Scottish foods like Cullen Skink and draw the St Andew’s Flag on their faces. 30^th November is an official holiday in Scotland, though it isn’t enforced throughout the whole country.