NH Games - Lecture Series

[Tim Little]

Peter:

It’s been a few years since I’ve made my way north to take in the NHHG, but your presence and lecture series this year makes me think it’s time to revisit “auld acquaintances.”

As for presentation topics, I think any of those proposed would be fascinating. My sense is that the knowledge-base of your audience will be quite varied, with some better educated than others. Perhaps pairing a couple of general/foundational topics — such as tartan myths or the development of clan tartans or Jacobite connections — with topics of a more specific appeal (e.g., the maritime province connection, as suggested by Collin, or women’s dress, as you suggest) would be a useful approach?

With 2-3 lectures over the course of 3 days, you have quite a bit of room to let yourself roam.

Also, perhaps the popularity of “Outlander” on this side of the Atlantic could offer a useful framework for some of these discussions….

[CollinMacD]

Peter:

With 2-3 lectures over the course of 3 days, you have quite a bit of room to let yourself roam.

Also, perhaps the popularity of “Outlander” on this side of the Atlantic could offer a useful framework for some of these discussions….

Bring Sam with you and my wife will approve this trip in a heartbeat. Totally agree about the Outlander link, as in the States this still is a VERY POPULAR Series..... GOOD POINT.... Cheers

[figheadair]

Peter:

It’s been a few years since I’ve made my way north to take in the NHHG, but your presence and lecture series this year makes me think it’s time to revisit “auld acquaintances.”

Also, perhaps the popularity of “Outlander” on this side of the Atlantic could offer a useful framework for some of these discussions….

Tim, it would be very good to catch up after so many years.

As for Outlander, what an interesting idea. Outlander, and the real tartans of the mid-18th century. Or some such topic.

[figheadair]

I think I've managed to refine my ideas down to five topics which will be given in a series of seven lectures over three days. Not necessarily in this order:

• The Buchanan Tartans (in recognition of the new Chief being the Guest of Honour).
• Outlander and the Real Tartans of the ’45.
• The Origins and Growth of Clan Tartans
• The Use of Tartan as a Jacobite Symbol.
• The Arisaid and Other Female Highland Dress.

Thoughts?

[Jock Scot]

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I would tread lightly on the topic of "tartan myths" which is a touchy subject to many Americans.

With the greatest of respect and I tread very lightly here, also I may add that I have absolutely no idea what Peter could or might say, but what is the problem of debunking myths? Is it that people in the USA cannot handle the truth?

[Tim Little]

I think I've managed to refine my ideas down to five topics which will be given in a series of seven lectures over three days. Not necessarily in this order:

• The Buchanan Tartans (in recognition of the new Chief being the Guest of Honour).
• Outlander and the Real Tartans of the ’45.
• The Origins and Growth of Clan Tartans
• The Use of Tartan as a Jacobite Symbol.
• The Arisaid and Other Female Highland Dress.

Thoughts?

Excellent!

[AFS1970]

I like the list, but also like the idea of debunking myths. I wish I had someone to do so when I first got interested in kilts and tartan. When I joined my local Saint Andrew's Society there was a gentleman who seemed very knowledgeable and was always willing to give advice. People would often steer you towards him if you had a question. I later learned that almost everything he told me was at least misinformed and at worst a myth. From hose color indicating levels of formality to what certain color stripes mean in certain tartans, there was much information that proved to simply be false. I think helping people early on at a festival would be providing a service.

[figheadair]

I like the list, but also like the idea of debunking myths. I wish I had someone to do so when I first got interested in kilts and tartan. When I joined my local Saint Andrew's Society there was a gentleman who seemed very knowledgeable and was always willing to give advice. People would often steer you towards him if you had a question. I later learned that almost everything he told me was at least misinformed and at worst a myth. From hose color indicating levels of formality to what certain color stripes mean in certain tartans, there was much information that proved to simply be false. I think helping people early on at a festival would be providing a service.

Irrespective of whether of not there is a specific Myth Busting lecture there will be a fair smattering of debunking throughout all the planned ones.

[OC Richard]

what is the problem of debunking myths? Is it that people in the USA cannot handle the truth?

There's a thing that's evolved in the communities of Americans of Scottish descent, and also of Irish descent and other nationalities as well.

I'm not sure just how to put it into words, how to explain it, but I encounter it regularly.

Seems that the more generations which have passed, the further one gets from the home country, a person's sense of ethnic identity and pride becomes distilled down to fewer and fewer items. The smaller the number, the more sentimental and powerful the feelings about them become, the more fiercely they are held onto.

Tartan has become that for many Americans of Scottish descent, and anything that is viewed as an attack on tartan, however subtle, however true, might be taken personally. It's the same as the way a military person will react if you dare to point out that a military tradition isn't based on fact. Neither the American of Scottish descent nor the military person wants to hear the truth if it flies in the face of cherished myths.

As the hymn puts it

We walk by faith, and not by sight.

[Jock Scot]

There's a thing that's evolved in the communities of Americans of Scottish descent, and also of Irish descent and other nationalities as well.

I'm not sure just how to put it into words, how to explain it, but I encounter it regularly.

Seems that the more generations which have passed, the further one gets from the home country, a person's sense of ethnic identity and pride becomes distilled down to fewer and fewer items. The smaller the number, the more sentimental and powerful the feelings about them become, the more fiercely they are held onto.

Tartan has become that for many Americans of Scottish descent, and anything that is viewed as an attack on tartan, however subtle, however true, might be taken personally. It's the same as the way a military person will react if you dare to point out that a military tradition isn't based on fact. Neither the American of Scottish descent nor the military person wants to hear the truth if it flies in the face of cherished myths.

As the hymn puts it

We walk by faith, and not by sight.

I am afraid that I have no sympathy with that point of view whatsoever. Sorry.