Saint Andrew’s Day 2023 also referred to as the Feast of Saint Andrew or Andermas, is observed on November 30 in accordance with the Gregorian calendar and on December 13 as per the Julian calendar. This day mainly celebrates the feast day of the Apostle Andrew.
Andrew’s Day mainly honours the Christian disciple of the New Testament and is also Scotland’s official national holiday. On this day the families of Scotland come together to celebrate their culture through a variety of events. This day is dedicated to honouring the Apostle Andrew as Scotland’s patron saint, and the Saltire flag is flown on all Scottish government buildings.
Saint Andrew’s Day 2023 – Date
The special celebration of Christianity is around the corner as Saint Andrew’s Day is all set to be celebrated on November 30.
Saint Andrew’s Day 2023 – History
Every year this day is celebrated with full devotion and grandeur to honour his legacy. According to Christian tradition, St Andrew was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. According to Bible, Peter who is widely recognised as the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, met Jesus through Andrew. When the Romans ordered the crucifixion of Apostle Andrew, he believed that he was not fit to die the way Jesus did so Andrew was crucified on a diagonal cross on 30 November 60 AD, and the Scottish Saltire flag symbolises the X-shaped cross that marks his death.
Scotland officially recognised St Andrew as its patron saint in 1320 with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, which described St Andrew as the “gentle Saint Andrew” who would be its “patron forever.”
Saint Andrew’s Day 2023 – Significance
This day is popularly celebrated in Scotland as it is an important part of the Scottish culture and heritage and also the National Day of Scotland. The day is marked by various festivities, including parades, traditional music and dance, and the display of the Saltire, Scotland’s national flag. On this special day, the Scottish people celebrate their identity, history and the contribution of St Andrew to their cultural and religious heritage. It is also an opportunity for people of Scottish descent around the world to gather together and remember and honour their roots and shared traditions.
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