Scottish Traditions

[MacLowlife]

There is a book called ALBION'S SEED by David Hackett Fischer, which discusses the persistent folkways of four distinct groups that came to the US from the UK. Offhand, I am not sure which traditions he observes in the group he calls "the borderers" which includes Scots. The one thing he points to again and again is naming traditions, such as the first son named after the father, the second one named after the mother's father with the father's last name added, etc. I suspect it is too late to observe naming traditions for your children, if you haven't already. You might want to see what else Fischer points to. As others have observed, you may well be doing things that are less ritualized, but still highly traditional.

Do remember, though, that traditions may wax and wane in popularity with your children. I have been re-watching that fine saga of traditional Suburban Italian American life, The Sopranos. Just the other night I was reminded of how disdainful Meadow Soprano had become when her mother asked her to observe their annual ritual of tea at the Plaza.

Or, to put it another way, revolt from your parents is a tradition among teenagers.

[auld argonian]

Adding Albion's Seed to the reading list...

Thanks, MacLowlife!

Best

AA

[Jack Daw]

Cygnus, I would recommend going to your area Highland games each year, making some of the recipes, and for Halloween, having a bonfire, if you can.

[Cygnus]

Sorry to revive this thread after a spate of inactivity, but I have a few comments and questions.

First, I appreciate all of the suggestions and have given them all consideration, whether or not I've commented on them!

MacLowlife - As it stands now, when my kids are teenagers they won't have the opportunity to reject Scottish traditions, because we don't practice any! (I do hope to change that shortly, though!)

As for the St. Andrew's society - I had looked into it, but the Utah St. Andrew's society seems a bit... um... I don't really know how to put it; unofficial, maybe? I apologize if any of its members are fellow forumites, but the website seems far from professional and membership is surprisingly low. Is there an international St. Andrew's society with which these local organizations can or should register? I guess I'm just not quite sure about the quality and authenticity of the local organization. Any suggestions, ideas, or information would be most helpful!

Thank you!

[BobsYourUncle]

I would suggest you get a copy of Scottish Customs from the Cradle to the Grave by Margaret Bennett. This fascinating volume contains explanations of Scottish customs regarding: Part I: Childbirth and infancy, Part II: Love Courtship and Marriage; Part III: Death and Burial.

The author collected documentary references and conducted first person interviews across all Scotland in compiling this anthology. The coverage includes ancient traditions and how they are observed in Scotland today.

Having this broad yet detailed survey in hand, you could pick and choose which ones to observe as a family.