Kirkin' of the Tartan

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Father,

Romaticising history a little bit is one thing. Making up pure fiction to justify a modern tradition is another.

Take, for example, the idea of "clan membership." Just because your last name is so-and-so, does not necessarily mean your anscestors were members of "Clan X." But you take it with a grain of salt, adopt the clan as your own, and participate in the broader spectrum of Scottish-American culture with a sense of belonging. This, to me, falls into that category of harmless romanticising of history.

However, I really have no patience for those who perpetuate false myths about such things for which we have a well-documented history, such as the origins of the Kirkin of the Tartans ceremony. We know just where and when and why this service began, and it wasn't that long ago. But rather than acknowledge the real story behind it, people feel compelled to create a false "origin myth" to connect the rite to some Jacobite past.

I even know pastors in churches where this service is performed who know full well about Peter Marshall and the origins of the Kirkin, yet insist in printing in their programs the myth about the Jacobites sneaking scraps of tartans into the church in their bibles, etc., all because it's "a good story." But when your congregation all goes home believing that falsehood, and never knowing how the kirkin' actually originated, who is being served there?

By the way, I can echoe Father's statement that as a Roman Catholic (and one with a special interest in church history), I have never encountered anything in our tradition even remotely resembling a "kirkin of the tartans" ceremony. Nor would I expect to. (But it has always struck me that the blassing of inanimate objects seems a very "Catholic" thing for Presbyterians to be doing!)

[Scotus]

Jock Scot and Matt:

As an historian myself, I didn't say I was in favor of romanticizing history to the point of making things up that didn't happen, only that it's understandable and natural from an American point of view. I fully agree with what Jock has said; Scottish history is filled with lots of intrigue, murder, conspiracy, etc. We really don't need to be making things up. In fact, I am opposed to making up stories that people know to be false. We call that, "lying." I just try to be patient with those whose view of Scottish history is based on badly made movies like Braveheart, myths about Jacobites, etc, and make corrections when necessary.

[macwilkin]

To add further to Jock, Matt and Scotus' posts: personally, the real story behind the kirkin' service is much more compelling to me than the myth that is perpetuated in the Scottish-American community. What amazes me is that more have not embraced the real story, as it is a story of a Scottish immigrant and his efforts to assist his homeland during the greatest conflict ever fought in World history: the fight against fascism in the Second World War.

Regards,

Todd

[Jock Scot]

To add further to Jock, Matt and Scotus' posts: personally, the real story behind the kirkin' service is much more compelling to me than the myth that is perpetuated in the Scottish-American community. What amazes me is that more have not embraced the real story, as it is a story of a Scottish immigrant and his efforts to assist his homeland during the greatest conflict ever fought in World history: the fight against fascism in the Second World War.

Regards,

Todd

There were many unsung people throughout our history and this man did his bit in his way in our hour of need,for that I thank him.I think his and others, efforts should not be diluted by dressing up the real truth

with a whole heap of historical nonsense. Scotland in particular and Britain in general ought to be aware of his efforts.

[Cerebite]

As a further twist on this my Presbyterian Church [and probably others] has taken to celebrating the Scottish roots of the Reformation on Reformation Sunday.
Yes I know the Reformation started in Germany [Lutheran] but it flourished quite well in England and Scotland [Presbyterian]. For those of you who do not know Reformation Sunday is the first Sunday in November in honor of Martin Luthers' posting of the 95 Thesis on the Whittenberg door on All Saints Day [1 November] initiating the Reformation of the Christian Church.

We do not have enough interest in my church to actually do a Kirkin' of the Tartan but the service today will have a very Scottish feel to it including a live piper [the pastors son is in an internationally recognized youth pipe band] and possibly a telling of Peter Marshalls story of the Kirkin'. Unfortunately I have to work so I will not be there but I did wear my kilt and Crael jacket today in honor of the Reformation and Peter Marshall.

[macwilkin]

As a further twist on this my Presbyterian Church [and probably others] has taken to celebrating the Scottish roots of the Reformation on Reformation Sunday.
Yes I know the Reformation started in Germany [Lutheran] but it flourished quite well in England and Scotland [Presbyterian]. For those of you who do not know Reformation Sunday is the first Sunday in November in honor of Martin Luthers' posting of the 95 Thesis on the Whittenberg door on All Saints Day [1 November] initiating the Reformation of the Christian Church.

We do not have enough interest in my church to actually do a Kirkin' of the Tartan but the service today will have a very Scottish feel to it including a live piper [the pastors son is in an internationally recognized youth pipe band] and possibly a telling of Peter Marshalls story of the Kirkin'. Unfortunately I have to work so I will not be there but I did wear my kilt and Crael jacket today in honor of the Reformation and Peter Marshall.

Reformation Day/Sunday is actually on or before October 31st, as it was on the Eve of All Hallows that Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door. But, nevertheless, good on your church for celebrating with a piper!

T.