The Feast of Saint Andrew, also known as Saint Andrew Day and Andermas. Which is the defeat day of Andrew the Apostle. It is celebrated on 30th November. Saint Andrew’s Day is known as Scotland’s official national day. It has been a national holiday in Romania since 2015.
Who is Saint Andrew?
Saint Andrew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, according to Christian doctrine. Simon Peter, who is now considered as the first, was also his brother. Pope of the Roman Catholic Church) met Jesus Christ and made himself as his first disciples. Even though working as fishermen in Galilee. Which is now part of modern-day Israel.
Which other countries celebrate St. Andrew’s Day?
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. Also the patron saint of Poland, Russia, Romania, Greece and Ukraine. Patron saints are selected to serve as unique protectors or guardians over various things.
He ultimately suffered martyrdom for his beliefs, just like Jesus. But Andrew allegedly turned down a T-shaped cross because he didn’t think he was deserving of the same treatment as Jesus Christ.
How St. Andrew become Saint?
According to one tale, King Angus of Scotland was getting ready to fight the English in the ninth century. King Angus saw St. Andrew in a dream who assured him of victory. On the day of battle, an X symbol seemed in the sky. Which served as St. Andrew’s emblem.
He promised that St. Andrew would become the patron saint of Scotland if they won the battle, and that is exactly what has happened. Because it is St. Andrew’s symbol. And that is why the X-shaped cross can be seen on the Scottish flag.
The saltire, a diagonal cross, became his emblem. After he was nailed to an X-shaped cross in Greece on November 30, 60 AD. This was also the final day in November of the Roman Empire thus designated his saint day.
How do people celebrate St. Andrew’s Day?
People celebrate traditional Scottish culture on St. Andrew’s Day with Scottish music, food, recitations, dancing, and more.
In Scotland, the holiday is not as widely seen as some other holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day. But it is a grand celebration in some towns such as St. Andrews even threw week long celebrations.
Other Facts about this Day-
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Hogmanay and Burns Night as well as other winter festivals get started on St. Andrew’s Day.
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The core concern of St. Andrew’s Day is to honour Scottish culture.
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That celebration revolves largely around food.
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Cullen skink, lamb, haggis, neeps and tatties, and other classic dishes also served.