Legend says that in 832AD, before a battle against the English, the Scots king, Angus, was visited by St Andrew in a vision. Angus was promised a victory by the saint. The next day, clouds formed a white cross, in the shape of that on which St Andrew was crucified, against a blue sky. This was seen as a good omen and the Scots took heart from it and carried the day. The white cross on a blue background has been the “Saltire” or Scottish flag ever since. This morning, as dawn broke over Ratho, a white cross appeared in the sky. Is this a good omen for 2009 or just the result of the contrails from two passenger jets high above? I know which one I want to believe. Sorry that this wee painting has been rushed but I wanted to post it before the good luck ran out for you all.
Watersoluble pencils on a watercolour Moleskine
This is a painting study reproducing the lovely work from a...
Marty 6:51 pm on December 27, 2008 | #
Peace, strength, and colorful dreams in the new year.
Bravo.
Margie 7:17 pm on December 27, 2008 | #
thank you!
Sophie Brown 12:26 pm on December 28, 2008 | #
I’ve never heard that story. It’s really interesting.
renefijten 1:28 pm on December 28, 2008 | #
Lovely story. However, the one time I was in scotland I only saw grey skies… I guess it’s good luck to see blue sky there anyway.
Mhuire 2:57 pm on December 28, 2008 | #
Yesterday I saw something like this here. I’m sure now that it is a good omen. Thank you for your story, and lots of luck and happiness for the new year!!
trebor61 5:01 pm on December 28, 2008 | #
Thank you everyone both for your comments and good wishes which are returned with interest. Sophie, there are various versions of this story, in Scottish folklore, but this is the best known. Do a Google search for “Athelstaneford”, the place where the battle was said to have been fought, and you will get more information about the Scottish Saltire. Rene. Sorry you had poor weather when you visited Scotland. We did have a sunny day once – I think it was on June 22nd. Let me know if you ever intend to brave the journey again and I’ll arrange something better. Mhuire – You see my wee story is already causing positive thoughts with you. The good thing about Skineart is that there are so many friendly people commenting. I believe that when folk, like yourself, have something nice to say then this inculcates a positive attitude and helps us make our OWN GOOD LUCK. Thank you once again