Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and St Andrews Day, which fell yesterday, seems to only be celebrated by those Scots living abroad as well as those of even the vaguest Scots descent.Well did you celebrate?!
Anyway, Andrew was the younger brother of Peter and also one of the twelve disciples of Christ. Born around Galilee, Andrew was the fisherman who brought the young boy with the loaves and fish before the feeding of the five thousand, which maybe explains the number of fish and chip shops in Scotland...?
Andrew spent his life travelling around Asia minor and parts of Europe spreading the gospel before the Romans arrested and crucified him. He felt unworthy of being crucified on the upright cross of Christ, so by his own request, he was hung on a diagonal cross, and apparently survived for three days. It was this cross that inspired the Saltire, or St Andrews flag, which is now the national flag of Scotland, and which can also be seen within the Union Jack. Andrew's remains were put aboard a boat and brought to the east coast of Scotland for safe keeping, landing at Kilrymont, which is now present day St Andrews.
Anyway, our celebration of St Andrews Day was simply enjoying the fine Scottish feast of mince and tatties and mealie (all the way from Spey-side), washed down by our last bottle of Barr's Irn bru. Mm mmm mmmmm.
Just a shame we couldn't find any deep-fried Mars bars for dessert.
2 comments:
We celebrated. We made scottish flags, ate haggis, decorated cupcakes with saltires, the boys wore kilts and we all danced around the kitchen to some fiddle music.
Wouldn't have found the time to do it all if it hadn't been that there was a strike in about 90% of public service, council workers and schools included!
Man I'm ALWAYS impressed by your dedication to celebrations!! I'm just sorry we couldn't pop by and join in :(
Post a Comment