Today is a bank holiday in
Scotland. I have Scottish and
Scots-Irish ancestors and am always interested in learning new things about
this part of the world. There are
several instances of the name Andrew in my family, beginning with my father and
brother who carry it as their middle name. My father’s father was Andrew
McClary Steele, who’s paternal grandmother was a McClary. This family has several Revolutionary war
participants and in particular, Major Andrew McClary who died at the battle of
Bunker Hill. His father and namesake
came to North America in 1726 from Northern Ireland.
I found it interesting that St.
Andrew is also patron saint in Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Italy's Amalfi, Cyprus,
Romania, San Andres Island in Columbia, Barbados and Tenerife. Here is a little
backround on this holiday From The London Evening Standard:
“Who
was St Andrew and why is he the patron saint of Scotland?
St Andrew was born in the biblical
village of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee in between the years 5AD and 10AD.
He was one of Jesus' 12 disciples
and was as a fishermen in Galilee. Andrew was a Christian preacher and is
thought to have travelled to Greece on a Christian mission. However, when
there, he is believed to have been killed by crucifixion, on a diagonal
cross-shaped crucifix at Patras.
His links to Scotland are unclear,
but one particularly well-known story centres on St Andrew’s role in battle
between the Scots and Picts, and the Angles in the 9th century.
According to legend, St Andrew
appeared to the Pictish King Óengus mac Fergusa (Óengus II) in a dream and told
him his army would be victorious. On the day of the battle, the symbol of a saltire
- reminiscent of the diagonal cross St Andrew was crucified on - appeared in
the sky and Óengus II and his army were triumphant.
Scotland’s flag was chosen in honour
of that moment, and it is also how the ancient town of St Andrew’s got its
name.
When
is St Andrew's Day?
St Andrew’s Day is celebrated on
November 30.
The tradition of celebrating it on
this day was conceived by 18th century ex patriots in the United
States, who were keen to reconnect with their Scottish roots.
How
is St Andrew's Day celebrated?
Different regions of Scotland have
their own traditions and events to commemorate the day.
East Lothian hosts the annual
Saltire Festival with a 10K night run, golfing tournament, crafting workshops
and traditional music performances.
Elsewhere, you can find a stunning
torchlight procession through the Glasgow’s West End.”
Sources of this information:
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