Raisin Monday - St. Andrews Foamy Tradition

You have probably heard of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, but we guarantee you have never heard of Raisin Monday. And, no it is not a Sunmaid sponsored holiday, but a fun tradition that takes place at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

As the name indicates the roots of this annual event, held on November 22nd, has some connection to raisins. However, today it is all about a fun foam fight - In the name of tradition of course!

The custom referred to here dates back to the early days of St. Andrews, Scotland's first University, which opened its doors in 1413. As a way of showing their gratitude to seniors for helping them out during their first school year, the new students would gift them with a pound of raisins - considered quite precious in those days.

The seniors would acknowledge the gift with a receipt, written in Latin. If they didn't produce a receipt or the receipt had a mistake, they ran the risk of being doused in the University fountain.

Over the years, the tradition has changed slightly - the raisins have been replaced by a bottle of wine and the dousing, to foam. Also, since very few people really know how to write in Latin, there are many many incorrect receipts, leading to the fun frothy eagerly awaited mess, each year.

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