Festivals

SCRIPT

The story of St Andrew and other Scottish symbols

A long time ago a man changed the face of Scotland. His name was Andrew. People believe that he travelled all the way to Scotland to tell everyone about Jesus Christ and His life. A legend says that he built a church in the Scottish town of Fife. The town is now called Saint Andrews.
This saint was and still is very important to people in many other countries as well, such as France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Romania.

The Romans, who did not believe in Jesus Christ, wanted to kill Andrew. Saint Andrew said he was not worthy to die in the same way as Jesus, so he was placed on an X-shaped cross. This cross, called the saltire is today the symbol of Scotland. It appears on the Scottish flag, which, in turn, is part of the flag of the United Kingdom.

People in Scotland celebrate St Andrew on 30th November, which is a public holiday. Scottish people are very proud of their national symbols, which also include:
The thistle – the national flower of Scotland
Tartan – checked cloth, usually used for kilts – outfits that Scottish men wear to certain sporting events or other special occasions, like weddings.

Robert Burns, or Rabbie Burns, is the national poet of Scotland. His most famous work is ‘Auld Lang Syne’,which is sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve across the English-speaking world.

And lastly haggis – a traditional Scottish dish made with minced sheep’s organs, put inside a sheep’s stomach.

This is Scotland!
Cheerio!