[Countries and Cultures]   [Scotland]   [Burns Night]   [St. Andrew's Day]
  

It is believed by generations of Scotsmen that the national flag, the white saltire cross on a blue ground originated in a battle fought in the Dark Ages between the Picts and Scots on one side and the Angles of Northumbria on the other. 
  

Around the time of the 8th century, an army of Picts and Scots under King Angus found themselves surrounded by a force of Angles under their leader Athelstan.  King Angus prayed earnestly for deliverance to God and the saints.  That night Saint Andrew appeared to the King and promised them victory. 

The next day, when battle began, the vision of the white saltire (the diagonal cross on which the Apostle Andrew had been martyred) was seen by all in the blue sky.  This so encouraged the Picts and Scots and frightened their adversaries that a victory was won.