KNIGHTS OF ST. ANDREW
ST. ANDREWS DAY
The St. Andrew’s Cross is shaped liked the English letter “X,” and is also
referred to as the “saltier” or “Crux Decussta,” with the two bottom legs set
into the ground. According to tradition, Andrew, brother of Peter, was crucified
on a cross of this shape. Andrew did not feel worthy enough to die on the same
style cross on which Christ had died, and he requested a cross of different
shape. His request was granted, and he was crucified upside down on the cross,
which now bears his name.
To secure his limbs to the cross, Andrew was bound to the cross with ropes,
rather than nails. His suffering was thus prolonged. St. Andrew’s Cross came
into wide use during the Medieval period and became the national cross of
Scotland, since Saint Andrew was its patron saint.
St. Andrews Day was already on the calendar more than a thousand years ago. We
celebrate it on November 30th. Already established as a major town in the
12th century, St. Andrews University traces its roots back to the 15th century.
But these are only road signs in a long history.
Druid priests were the great power of the land when St. Andrew, and that
distinctive "X" shaped cross on which he was crucified in 70 AD, were embraced
as Scotland’s symbol of nationhood - The Saint Andrew Cross.
How the early church brought the New Testament story of the fisherman apostle
from Capernaum to Scotland, and made him the nation’s patron saint, is buried in
the mists of time. It is recorded that Ninian, a Briton, brought the Christian
message to the Picts in about 400 AD, which is one and a half centuries before
the time of St Columba. Ninian was a bishop who regularly traveled to Rome
for further instruction, and was probably the most revered churchman in the
land.
The last of the Scottish kings established the first Order of the Thistle, which
used the “X” cross and the crucified figure of St. Andrew. The Order was based
on the Biblical story with the sovereign and his twelve chosen knights its total
membership.
Today, St. Andrews Day is a time to celebrate and socialize, for patriots,
patriotic gatherings and happenings. So wherever you are -whatever you may be
doing— raise a glass, toast this land and its Patron Saint for a brighter and
happier tomorrow.