Saint Andrew’s Day is celebrated on 30 November in Scotland, and people are only just discovering a wild fact about the Scottish flag, which is also known as the Saltire
Today (November 30) marks Saint Andrew’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Andrew or Andermas, honouring the feast day of Andrew the Apostle. This celebration, taking place during Scotland’s Winter Festival, pays tribute to Scotland’s patron saint, believed to have been amongst Jesus’s disciples.
The occasion serves as a national day for Scots to honour Scottish culture, heritage, and customs, typically featuring food, music, dancing, and various festivities. And what could be more emblematic of Scottish identity than Scotland’s own flag?
Scotland’s banner is also recognised as the St Andrew’s Cross or the Saltire. It features a white saltire set against a blue background.
The Scottish standard traces its origins to a battle in 832 AD at Athelstaneford, where King Angus and his forces witnessed a white cross materialise in the heavens. Legend tells that he pledged to make Saint Andrew Scotland’s patron saint should they emerge victorious, with his cross becoming their banner.
This X-shaped cross mirrors the form upon which the Apostle Saint Andrew met his martyrdom.
It appears that some folk are only now discovering that the flag is actually regarded as Europe’s most ancient banner.
One individual posted on Reddit: “Many of you may already know this, but I wanted to share this fact. Scotland is Europe’s oldest flag, it originated in 832 AD.”
Another Reddit user expressed amazement in their response: “I didn’t know any of this until I Googled after reading your post, so thanks for that!” Another individual chimed in: “Ancient peoples really understood the power of putting white lines on strong colours.”
However, some folks contested this claim on the post, arguing that the Danish flag holds the title for being the oldest.
The design of the Danish flag dates back to a battle in 1219, while Scotland’s flag traces its origins to 832 AD. Yet, the evidence for the continuous use of the white saltire on a blue background comes later, causing some confusion about which flag is truly the oldest.
The first documented instance of the white-on-blue design on Scotland’s flag was around 1542.
Saint Andrew’s Day celebrations aren’t just about flying the Scottish flag. They also include ceilidhs, which are traditional parties featuring Scottish folk and modern music, dancing, and storytelling.
Recitations of Robert Burns’s poetry are common, as is feasting on traditional dishes like haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), and clootie dumpling. Donning tartan, kilts, and painting faces with the blue and white Saltire are also part of the festivities.
