St Andrew's Day Gifts
Celebrate St. Andrew's Day on November 30 with Scottish thistle jewelry handmade from vintage china and set in sterling silver. St. Andrew's Day is Scotland's official national day, honoring Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles and Scotland's patron saint. The thistle is Scotland's national flower and a traditional symbol of strength and resilience. A unique gift for anyone proud of their Scottish roots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is a thistle necklace a good St. Andrew's Day gift?
St. Andrew's Day on November 30 is Scotland's national day, and the thistle is Scotland's national flower, so the two make a natural pair. A thistle necklace celebrates the day with a symbol of Scottish strength and resilience that stays in use long after the dinner and toasts are over.The timing helps too: St. Andrew's Day falls at the start of the holiday season, so the necklace can double as an early Christmas gift.
What is St. Andrew's Day, and when is it celebrated?
St. Andrew's Day is Scotland's official national day, celebrated every year on November 30. The day honors Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles and Scotland's patron saint. Tradition holds that Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross, which became the saltire on Scotland's flag. The Scottish Parliament made the day a bank holiday in Scotland in 2007, and people in Scotland and around the world mark it with ceilidhs, Scottish music and food, and gatherings that celebrate Scottish culture.
Is a thistle necklace a good gift Scottish heritage?
Yes. The thistle is Scotland's national flower, so a thistle necklace is an instantly recognizable sign of Scottish pride. Unlike tartan, which belongs to particular clans, the thistle represents all of Scotland, so the necklace works for someone with Scottish ancestry, a Scottish-American family keeping its roots alive, or a friend who came home from a trip to Scotland loving the country and its people. Made from vintage china, the jewelry adds a second kind of heritage, since china is so often handed down through families.
Why is the thistle Scotland's national flower?
No one knows for certain. The best-known explanation is a legend: Norse invaders crept barefoot toward a sleeping Scottish army at night, until one stepped on a thistle and cried out, waking the Scots in time to defend themselves. The historical record is clearer. By the late 1400s, King James III had adopted the thistle as a royal badge and put it on Scottish silver coins. Today the thistle is the emblem of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's greatest order of chivalry.