Andrew, also called Saint Andrew the Apostle, (died 60/70 ce, Patras, Achaia [Greece]) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and the brother of St. Peter. He is the patron saint of Scotland and of Russia, as well as other countries including Greece, Barbados and Romania.
The celebration of Saint Andrew as a national festival is thought to originate from the reign of Malcolm III (1034–1093). It was thought that ritual slaughter of animals associated with Samhain (a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter) was moved to this date, so as to assure enough animals were kept alive for winter.
Some foods traditionally eaten on St Andrew’s Day include:
- Traditional Scottish Cullen Skink
- Scottish Smoked Haddock Bake
- Spiced winter fruit served with creamed vanilla rice pudding
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