Kirking

[LeeAnne]

Pretty funny, that is almost exactly what this article from the STM says.

http://www.scottishtartans.org/kirkin.htm

"Ask any Scot or Scottish expatriate about the Kirkin’, and chances are you will be met with a questioning look and an admission of ignorance of this supposedly centuries-old Scottish tradition."

With good reason. A quick Google establishes that "Kirking of the Tartan" is an American invention, and not a Scottish tradition at all. (I must say it sounds fishy, even pre-google. Why would you feel the need to have a church ceremony for an article of clothing?) Not every Scot would be ignorant of the term. But "kirking" isn't indicative of any sort of tradition, it's simply Scots for "going to church".

[Holcombe Thomas]

Why a Kirking of the Tartans? It's one more way to get folks into church and having a good time while doing so. Just another way to reach out to the parishioners and those who might become parishioners.

Holcombe