Kirkin' O'the Tartans

[Kizmet]

I wrote this press release today. Prester John asked me to post it here. Any of you gents and your families would be welcome to join us. Be sure to introduce yourselves!

Kizmet

Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in Canton, Ohio, is hosting its second annual Kirkin’ O’the Tartans on November 30, 2006.

Why is a church affiliated with Eastern Europe having a service for a Scottish cloth?

“St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and of Russia, Greece, and the Ukraine,” said Father John Peck, rector of Holy Assumption Orthodox Church. “That puts us in unity right there.”

The first Kirkin’ O’the Tartans was started by an American, Reverend Peter Marshall, who was the chaplain to the U.S. Senate. The service was first done during World War II, based on the old Scottish tradition of bringing tartans to the “kirk” or church to be blessed on St. Andrew’s feast day. “Blessing of the family’s tartan was seen as a renewal of family’s covenant with God,” Father John said.

The Orthodox prayer service, called a molieben service, is focused on praise and thanksgiving. Any item may be blessed, Father John said. “We like tartans because the Cross is woven directly into the fabric. A cloth made of Christian symbols should be blessed by the Orthodox Church.”

There are several members of the Holy Assumption Church who are of Irish or Scottish descent. There will be men wearing kilts at the service, according to Father John.

Piper Joseph Peck, a member of the Akron and District Pipe Band, will be playing the bagpipes before and after the service. He played at the Louisville Constitution Festival Balloon Lift-Off Day and at the Malvern Great Festival this year.

The prayer service is open to the public and starts at 7:00 p.m. Holy Assumption Church is located at 2027 Eighteenth Street NE, Canton. Coffee will be served afterwards.

[Caradoc]

The service was first done during World War II, based on the old Scottish tradition of bringing tartans to the “kirk” or church to be blessed on St. Andrew’s feast day.

I've never seen one shred of evidence that any such blessing was an "old Scottish tradition."

I've seen plenty of articles debunking the "traditional" value of the Kirkin' o' the Tartans, though.

Personally, I think if it makes you feel better to take your tartan to the church and have someone bless it, more power to you. Rather like the whole "cilt" phenomenon, people seem to enjoy just making stuff up and following their shiny new "tradition."

Just please don't try to tell me the Kirkin' is some kind of ancient and honorable tradition.

Oh, and I do think it smacks just a bit of idolatry.

[gilmore]

Oh, and I do think it smacks just a bit of idolatry.

You say that as if it was a bad thing

[macwilkin]

I've never seen one shred of evidence that any such blessing was an "old Scottish tradition."

I've seen plenty of articles debunking the "traditional" value of the Kirkin' o' the Tartans, though.

Personally, I think if it makes you feel better to take your tartan to the church and have someone bless it, more power to you. Rather like the whole "cilt" phenomenon, people seem to enjoy just making stuff up and following their shiny new "tradition."

Just please don't try to tell me the Kirkin' is some kind of ancient and honorable tradition.

Oh, and I do think it smacks just a bit of idolatry.

Here's an article I wrote:

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

You are quite right; there is no evidence of the Kirkin' being an "auld Scottish custom"; in fact, most Scots expats you talk to have never heard of such a service until after they come to the colonies!

However, there is good evidence that the Kirkin' is a Scottish-American tradition, since the first Kirkin' service was held during the Second World War by the Rev. Peter Marshall, a Scottish immigrant from Coatbridge. Dr. Marshall was the pastor of the New York Ave. Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., and started the Kirkin' service as a way to raise funds for war relief efforts in the U.K. The St. Andrew's Society of Washington got involved, and in the 1950's, the service was moved to the National Cathedral.

So, it may not be ancient, but the originial Kirkin' was very honourable, since Dr. Marshall was a very genuine and honourable man, and he was attempting to help his fellow countrymen during WWII.

And, I think "idolatry" is a little harsh, don't you? The service is no more idolatrous than a Blessing of the Animals for St. Francis's Day, A Mariachi Mass, the blessing of the grape harvest or the fishing fleet -- I won't go into the particulars here, since this is not a religion forum, but it's about community. Many ethnic groups in America have their own particular service/festival.

The Kirkin' Service I have planned for the 7 years at my parish is, at least INMHO, a respectful one and not "idolatrous" that honours:

1. St. Andrew's Day (30 Nov.)
2. The Scottish Roots of the American Episcopal Church
3. Remembrance Day (11 Nov.)
4. Scottish-American Heritage

We try to educate those attending on the real history behind the Kirkin', not the legend/myth.

We also, in the spirit of the first St. Andrew's Societies, take up a collection of money or items (such as toys for the US Marines) to help our distressed brothers and sisters.

I invite you to come to our Kirkin'. You will be most welcome in the spirit of Scottish & Ozarks hospitality, regardless of your beliefs.

Regards,

Todd

[Mike1]

Caradoc, let me give you a reminder of one of the basic policies we observe, here at X Marks -

"If you don't agree with a topic and feel you must post something saying as much then don't post a reply. If you don't care about a topic then don't post a reply. If you don't have anything constructive to add to a post then don't reply."

If there is some way I can clarify this policy to you, please contact me, via PM and I will be happy to explain in much greater detail.

Here's hoping that you managed to roll out of the right side of the bed, this day.

[auld argonian]

Have a good ceremony and be sure to provide us with pictures.

Best

AA

[Cawdorian]

The Kirkin' at my church was held yesterday, I was very happy to participate and was honored to be asked to serve as the Beadle. The Kirkin' is a very inspirational service. If you get an opportunity to attend a Kirkin' service, please attend, If you like kilts, bagpipes and all things Scottish you will enjoy it.

[Cawdorian]

Here is a picture of my wife and I dressed for the Kirkin' yesterday.