History question

**Dirk Skene** · 28th November 06, 07:25 AM

Can someone tell me why St. Andrew is so popular among Scots? I have been to the site of his martyrdom in Patras. I know of the golf courses. But until I joined this forum I had only know him as a missionary to the Peloponnes. :confused:

**MacTavishOfJapan** · 28th November 06, 07:27 AM

He's the patron saint of Scotland. More info here.

**MacWage** · 28th November 06, 07:37 AM

In short, the legend is that he requested his followers take his bones to the edge of the world. After his martyrdom, they did so and went northwest. Of the coast, their ship had problems and the crashed where St. Andrew's is today. They figured they were close enough and buried him there. Since then, Andrew has been patron of the place of his burial. He appeared to the king in a dream before the night of a big battle and put his sign in the sky (a white cloud saltaire on a blue sky) that he would lead them to victory if they followed Christ. All in all, rather reminicant of Constantine before the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

**auld argonian** · 28th November 06, 07:45 AM

...and for an irreverant take on the subject:

http://www.firstfoot.com/Kulture/andrewsx.htm

...sorry, I just find it funny...

Best

AA

**MacWage** · 28th November 06, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

...and for an irreverant take on the subject:

http://www.firstfoot.com/Kulture/andrewsx.htm

...sorry, I just find it funny...

Best

AA

First Foot is funny. I don't always agree with their take, but they intend most of the "articles" as tongue-in-cheek. It IS one of my Scottish bookmarks and a good for so many of the USians scottish-hagiographical takes on Scottish history and culture.

**macwilkin** · 28th November 06, 08:30 AM

For some more reliable sources on St. Andrew, patron of the Scots, see:

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/librarie.../standrew.html

http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/...e/saltire.html

http://www.st-andrew.org.uk/flagtrust.htm

http://www.st-andrew.org.uk/standrew.htm

For Saint Andrew and our right!

Todd

**sav** · 28th November 06, 01:26 PM

I was going to chime in with many of the same links that Todd already posted...so, guid on ye, Todd!

**McClef** · 28th November 06, 02:44 PM

For me it's not just Scotland's National Day but also a chance to wallow in nostalgia for my University too!

I read Theology at St Andrews 1972-76!

**Andrew Green** · 28th November 06, 03:13 PM

For a completely self centered view:
Also my namesake...
Good enough reason for me!

(just as a note, this is supposed to be humour...although slightly one sided)