Kirking of the Tartan

[Provincial Tartan of New Scotland (Nova Scotia)]

Tartan of New Scotland (Nova Scotia); Click to enlarge [jpeg:10K]

LEGEND OF THE KIRKIN' O' THE TARTAN

The Kirkin' o' the Tartan tradition is an old Highland one. After the defeat of the Scots by the English in 1746, the wearing of the tartan and the keeping of any Highland ways or culture was forbidden in hopes this would forever subdue the rebellious Scottish spirit. However, as the Scots were fervent Christians, and canny as well, they clung to their ancient traditions by putting them underground.

The Kirkin' was an important part of this in that one Sunday a year, the populace went to church wearing a concealed piece of the tartan and, at a certain moment set aside in the service, the tartan was touched while the minister pronounced a blessing on all tartans and the Scots once more pledged their loyalty and respect for their old traditions.

Further Notes on the Legend

Church Bulletin: Kirkin' o' the Tartan Service,
St. Matthew's United Church, Halifax, Nova Scotia
on 5th July 1991,
during 1991 International Gathering of the Clans

[New Scotland (Nova Scotia) -=- Where the Heart is Still Highland!]

Back to:
[Scots in New Scotland (Nova Scotia)]
[Scottish Culture & Heritage: Scotland & New Scotland]
[New Scotland (Nova Scotia)] [Scottish Clan System]

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