St Andrew's Day

St Andrew's Day (30 November) is Scotland's national day, since Saint Andrew is Scotland's patron saint. From the second half of the 20th century the day has also marked the start of Advent. Around the turn of the millennium the Scandinavian custom of lighting Advent candles spread to Estonia, and on St Andrew's Day children may open the first window of the Advent calendar.

Because Andrew was known for his kindness, willingness to help and great deeds, the day is also a reminder of how much small everyday kindnesses matter.

The story: Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was born in Bethsaida in Galilee. Both were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. Andrew was the first disciple of Christ — Jesus called him while he was working with his brother, and Andrew brought Peter to Jesus.

After the resurrection the apostles went out to preach the Gospel. Andrew travelled along the shores of the Black Sea and through what is now Greece, Turkey and Russia. According to tradition he was crucified in Patras (Greece) on an X-shaped cross — the saltire — because he felt unworthy to die on the same kind of cross as Christ. He became the patron saint of Scotland in the 9th century, when relics said to be his were brought to St Andrews in Fife.

St Andrew's Day became Scotland's official national day with the passing of the St Andrew's Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act in 2006. ScottEst hosts ceilidhs and themed evenings throughout this season — see the Scottish Party section of the site.