st andrews day

[riggerboy]

happy st andrews day to all scots all over the world, enjoy this wee video and remember as a scot you are loved all over the world,nothing comes close to it
http://message2.myvideowebstream.com/view/?id=NE2CJKX4KQ6CGOXE3RBX

[Buttercup]

Thanks riggerboy. :Razz
Great song from a missed duo.

[golach]

Ty for that riggerboy, have passed it around the world already

[grandma]

Thanks for that riggerboy and a happy St Andrews Day to everyone tomorrow too.

[htwood]

Thanks riggerboy. Happy St Andrew's Day to all.

[wifie]

That was good thanks Riggerboy!

[Jeemag_USA]

The Irish love their St Patrick's day, its celebrated all over the world and the English take St George's day pretty seriously. Why do we never do anything for St Andrews day? More people have heard of burns night than our Patron Saint day. Isn't it supposed to be a feast day?

Does anyone know anything of the history of the day, is their something traditional should be done. If not, what do people think we should do to observe St Andrews day? Apart from getting drunk and watching Billy Connolly videos :P

Anyway, have a good one, I am going to sink some beers and read up on St Andrew tomorrow!

As well as being the Patron Saint of Scotland, how many of you also know he has the patronage of all this lot..

Scotland, Russia, Sicily, Greece, Romania, Amalfi, Luqa (Malta) and Prussia; Army Rangers, mariners, fishermen, fishmongers, rope-makers, singers and performers!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Andrew (http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Andrew)

I'd like to extend a warm handshake and raise a glass to all the fishmongers in the world :p

[sam]

How very true Jeemag, I'v never thought of it like that before, But its true why dont scotland celebrate St Andrews day.:confused

[Anne x]

just brill have sent it to Canada Australia and Hong Kong thanks

[Jeemag_USA]

Found another good link with some more interesting stuff about St Andrews day and some more recent history developments.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Andrews_Day (http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://forum.caithness.org/go.php?url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Andrews_Day)

I think it would be nice to have it as a feast and celebration day of our history and Culture. Now Haggis is always associated with Burns Night, so does anyone have any sugestions as to what could be the dish of the day for St Andrews Day? maybe we could start our own tradition right here now and make it spread.

What are the best suggestions for a St Andrews Day feast. When thinking of traditional scottish fare, its not easy to come up with a long list, but here are some suggestions.

Lamb
Angus Beef
Mince N Tatties
Herring
Rabbit?
Salmon and/or Trout
Shellfish
Scotch Eggs
and so on and so on

I thought it would be a smart idea seeing as St Andrew is the patron saint of mariners, fishermen and fishmongers that the main them of a St Andrews day fest be the foods of the sea and the rivers, so I think Trout, Salmon, Cod, Herring, Mackerel, Mussels etc should be considered, it would be great to have a feast that is both Scottish and from "the sea". Also like Christmas, one shoudl not forget the person himself, St Andrew was born on the sea of Galilee and was a fisherman along with his brother Peter. So maybe an offering could be given to the sea, maybe a paper boat wi a candle in it like the chinese and other poeple do or do something else associated with the sea, it could be make a donation to the Fishermans Mission or the RNLI or just anything worthy and sea related?

All those in favour say aye aye captain :Razz

I feel so strongly about making this an annual celebration time I sent an email to the Scottish Parliament asking them to make it a public holiday rather than just an unofficial bank holiday!! What more excuse do Scots need for a good old knees up a month before and in preparation for Hogmanay, think of it as a practice run, but certainly not a 'dry' run!

[Kenn]

My son is called Andrew but he arrived a few days earlier than the saint's day..to all Scot's be proud of your saint's day .

[weedonald]

http://www.mochinet.com/poets/service/index.cgi



The Ballad of How MacPherson Held the Floor

Said President MacConnachie to Treasurer MacCall:
"We ought to have a piper for our next Saint Andrew's Ball.
Yon squakin' saxophone gives me the syncopated gripes.
I'm sick of jazz, I want to hear the skirling of the pipes."
"Alas! it's true," said Tam MacCall. "The young folk of to-day
Are fox-trot mad and dinna ken a reel from Strathspey.
Now, what we want's a kiltie lad, primed up wi' mountain dew,
To strut the floor at supper time, and play a lilt or two.
In all the North there's only one; of him I've heard them speak:
His name is Jock MacPherson, and he lives on Boulder Creek;
An old-time hard-rock miner, and a wild and wastrel loon,
Who spends his nights in glory, playing pibrochs to the moon.
I'll seek him out; beyond a doubt on next Saint Andrew's night
We'll proudly hear the pipes to cheer and charm our appetite.

Oh lads were neat and lassies sweet who graced Saint Andrew's Ball;
But there was none so full of fun as Treasurer MacCall.
And as Maloney's rag-time band struck up the newest hit,
He smiled a smile behind his hand, and chuckled: "Wait a bit."
And so with many a Celtic snort, with malice in his eye,
He watched the merry crowd cavort, till supper time drew nigh.
Then gleefully he seemed to steal, and sought the Nugget Bar,
Wherein there sat a tartaned chiel, as lonely as a star;
A huge and hairy Highlandman as hearty as a breeze,
A glass of whisky in his hand, his bag-pipes on his knees.
"Drink down your doch and doris, Jock," cried Treasurer MacCall;
"The time is ripe to up and pipe; they wait you in the hall.
Gird up your loins and grit your teeth, and here's a pint of hooch
To mind you of your native heath - jist pit it in your pooch.
Play on and on for all you're worth; you'll shame us if you stop.
Remember you're of Scottish birth - keep piping till you drop.
Aye, though a bunch of Willie boys should bluster and implore,
For the glory of the Highlands, lad, you've got to hold the floor."
The dancers were at supper, and the tables groaned with cheer,
When President MacConnachie exclaimed: "What do I hear?
Methinks it's like a chanter, and its coming from the hall."
"It's Jock MacPherson tuning up," cried Treasurer MacCall.
So up they jumped with shouts of glee, and gaily hurried forth.
Said they: "We never thought to see a piper in the North."
Aye, all the lads and lassies braw went buzzing out like bees,
And Jock MacPherson there they saw, with red and rugged knees.
Full six foot four he strode the floor, a grizzled son of Skye,
With glory in his whiskers and with whisky in his eye.
With skelping stride and Scottish pride he towered above them all:
"And is he no' a bonny sight?" said Treasurer MacCall.
While President MacConnachie was fairly daft with glee,
And there was jubilation in the Scottish Commy-tee.
But the dancers seemed uncertain, and they signified their doubt,
By dashing back to eat as fast as they had darted out.
And someone raised the question 'twixt the coffee and the cakes:
"Does the Piper walk to get away from all the noise he makes?"
Then reinforced with fancy food they slowly trickled forth,
And watched in patronizing mood the Piper of the North.

Proud, proud was Jock MacPherson, as he made his bag-pipes skirl,
And he set his sporran swinging, and he gave his kilts a whirl.
And President MacConnachie was jumping like a flea,
And there was joy and rapture in the Scottish Commy-tee.
"Jist let them have their saxophones wi' constipated squall;
We're having Heaven's music now," said Treasurer MacCall.
But the dancers waxed impatient, and they rather seemed to fret
For Maloney and the jazz of his Hibernian Quartette.
Yet little recked the Piper, as he swung with head on high,
Lamenting with MacCrimmon on the heather hills of Skye.
With Highland passion in his heart he held the centre floor;
Aye, Jock MacPherson played as he had never played before.

Maloney's Irish melodists were sitting in their place,
And as Maloney waited, there was wonder in his face.
'Twas sure the gorgeous music - Golly! wouldn't it be grand
If he could get MacPherson as a member of his band?
But the dancers moped and mumbled, as around the room they sat:
"We paid to dance," they grumbled; "But we cannot dance to that.
Of course we're not denying that it's really splendid stuff;
But it's mighty satisfying - don't you think we've had enough?"
"You've raised a pretty problem," answered Treasurer MacCall;
"For on Saint Andrew's Night, ye ken, the Piper rules the Ball."
Said President MacConnachie: "You've said a solemn thing.
Tradition holds him sacred, and he's got to have his fling.
But soon, no doubt, he'll weary out. Have patience; bide a wee."
"That's right. Respect the Piper," said the Scottish Commy-tee.

And so MacPherson stalked the floor, and fast the moments flew,
Till half an hour went past, as irritation grew and grew.
Then the dancers held a council, and with faces fiercely set,
They hailed Maloney, heading his Hibernian Quartette:
"It's long enough, we've waited. Come on, Mike, play up the Blues."
And Maloney hesitated, but he didn't dare refuse.
So banjo and piano, and guitar and saxophone
Contended with the shrilling of the chanter and the drone;
And the women's ears were muffled, so infernal was the din,
But MacPherson was unruffled, for he knew that he would win.
Then two bright boys jazzed round him, and they sought to play the clown,
But MacPherson jolted sideways, and the Sassenachs went down.
And as if it was a signal, with a wild and angry roar,
The gates of wrath were riven - yet MacPherson held the floor.

Aye, amid the rising tumult, still he strode with head on high,
With ribbands gaily streaming, yet with battle in his eye.
Amid the storm that gathered, still he stalked with Highland pride,
While President and Treasurer sprang bravely to his side.
And with ire and indignation that was glorious to see,
Around him in a body ringed the Scottish Commy-tee.
Their teeth were clenched with fury; their eyes with anger blazed:
"Ye manna touch the Piper," was the slogan that they raised.
Then blows were struck, and men went down; yet 'mid the rising fray
MacPherson towered in triumph - and he never ceased to play.

Alas! his faithful followers were but a gallant few,
And faced defeat, although they fought with all the skill they knew.
For President MacConnachie was seen to slip and fall,
And o'er his prostrate body stumbled Treasurer MacCall.
And as their foes with triumph roared, and leagured them about,
It looked as if their little band would soon be counted out.
For eyes were black and noses red, yet on that field of gore,
As resolute as Highland rock - MacPherson held the floor.

Maloney watched the battle, and his brows were bleakly set,
While with him paused and panted his Hibernian Quartette.
For sure it is an evil spite, and breaking to the heart,
For Irishman to watch a fight and not be taking part.
Then suddenly on high he soared, and tightened up his belt:
"And shall we see them crush," he roared, "a brother and a Celt?
A fellow artiste needs our aid. Come on, boys, take a hand."
Then down into the mêlée dashed Maloney and his band.

Now though it was Saint Andrew's Ball, yet men of every race,
That bow before the Great God Jazz were gathered in that place.
Yea, there were those who grunt: "Ya! Ya!" and those who squeak: "We! We!"
Likewise Dutch, Dago, Swede and Finn, Polack and Portugee.
Yet like ripe grain before the gale that national hotch-potch
Went down before the fury of the Irish and the Scotch.
Aye, though they closed their gaping ranks and rallied to the fray,
To the Shamrock and the Thistle went the glory of the day.

You should have seen the carnage in the drooling light of dawn,
Yet 'mid the scene of slaughter Jock MacPherson playing on.
Though all lay low about him, yet he held his head on high,
And piped as if he stood upon the caller crags of Skye.
His face was grim as granite, and no favour did he ask,
Though weary were his mighty lungs and empty was his flask.
And when a fallen foe wailed out: "Say! when will you have done?"
MacPherson grinned and answered: "Hoots! She's only ha'f begun."
Aye, though his hands were bloody, and his knees were gay with gore,
A Grampian of Highland pride - MacPherson held the floor.

And still in Yukon valleys where the silent peaks look down,
They tell of how the Piper was invited up to town,
And he went in kilted glory, and he piped before them all,
But wouldn't stop his piping till he busted up the Ball.
Of that Homeric scrap they speak, and how the fight went on,
With sally and with rally till the breaking of the dawn.
And how the Piper towered like a rock amid the fray,
And the battle surged about him, but he never ceased to play.
Aye, by the lonely camp-fires, still they tell the story o'er-
How the Sassenach was vanquished and - MacPherson held the floor.


--- Robert Service

[Sporran]

Happy St Andrew's Day, everyone! :) It should certainly be celebrated more than it is! I like your idea of a feast, Jeemag. Don't forget the Scotch Broth, butteries, and how about Clootie Dumplin' for dessert? Or perhaps some Orkney Cheese served on oatcakes? May I also suggest Irn Bru as the non alcoholic beverage of choice? :cool:

[TRUCKER]

Happy St Andrews day everyone.

[SNOWDOG]

Slainte Mhath folks! :)

[wifie]

Happy St Andrew's Day - however you celebrate it!

[Elenna]

A Happy St. Andrews Day to one and all! :)

[alanatkie]

Happy St. Andrew's Day Everyone

[Anne x]

Happy St Andrews Day to everyone

[nanoo]

Happy St Andrews to one and all.;)

[Jeemag_USA]

I just spoke to one of my work Colleagues Panos Niarchos who is from Athens and wished him a Happy St Andrews day, he was surprised I knew and thanked me, apparently its a big day in Greece, a big feast day and a public holiday as St Andrew is also their patron saint!

So to all Greeks reading the org... HAPPY ST ANDREWS DAY :Razz

[wifie]

Jeemag> Greece is where St Andrew was crucified, on a diagonal cross. I learnt that and a few other things today at my bairns' school. They have been doing scottish things all week culminating in a big day today when they had the final of the wellie boot throwing competition, a wee concert with bairns doing dancing, singing and poetry and they finished with a quiz about all things scottish. It was great fun and I hope they all took something away from it. All the teachers wore tartan sashes and haggis and clapshot was an option at the dinners. Don't know what else the SNP have done/may do for us but if they were responsible for schools doing things like this today all over Scotland - well done them!
By the way we have Greek neighbours and believe me they don't need any excuse to party!

[canuck]

It was a grand St. Andrew's Day here in Edinburgh. Sliding between the raindrops we paid homage at the Sinclair/Caithness stones in Holyrood Abbey. Then it was off to the Parliament Buildings to walk gently and proudly on the Caithness flagstone.

Greetings to everyone on this day of celebration.

[Jeemag_USA]

Jeemag> Greece is where St Andrew was crucified, on a diagonal cross. I learnt that and a few other things today at my bairns' school. They have been doing scottish things all week culminating in a big day today when they had the final of the wellie boot throwing competition, a wee concert with bairns doing dancing, singing and poetry and they finished with a quiz about all things scottish. It was great fun and I hope they all took something away from it. All the teachers wore tartan sashes and haggis and clapshot was an option at the dinners. Don't know what else the SNP have done/may do for us but if they were responsible for schools doing things like this today all over Scotland - well done them!
By the way we have Greek neighbours and believe me they don't need any excuse to party!

Yes Panos told me about that this morning, he also told me Andrew was the only follower of Jesus to be crucified on this style of cross, which is the cross on our Saltire, but I often wondered why the Saltire was turned on its side, hundreds of years ago the flag was hung vertically, this is to disply the way the cross was when St Andrew was crucified on it, now we display it lying on its side, guess its just because its easier to fly a flag horizontally now that we have flagpoles (George Cross is the same, it was originally hung vertically or worn as a vet or shield so the longest arm of the cross went up and down, I suppose flags of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland etc were the same? Its a very interesting subject and I wonder if St Andrews remains were actually taken to St Andrews or is it just legen, something like the grail that can't be proven?