kirking of the tartans...an american invention?

[hospitaller]

lads and lassies,

looking information on clan regency requirements, I've found that a lot of clans and local scottish societies perform something 'kirking of the tartans' which is basically the 'blessing' of pieces of tartan for the participating clans.

now, according to a few scottish sources, this is NOT a Scottish tradition, for several reasons (historical, religious and political), but rather a tradition started by a scottish immigrant to the US in the 1940s.

With this said, and specifically for the religious reasons that I agree with, I do not want to be a part of that 'ceremony', but I wonder if this refusal will in any way damage my intentions of eventually take a leadership role (regency or assistant) in my local Clan?

Any thoughts on this 'anathema' tradition?

[Monkey@Arms]

Well, I don't think it plays any part of the local practices of my clan association (MacPherson), but I can't say about yours. There is no question that its an American invention dating back to one of the World Wars. There's been much detailed discussion about here on the forum as to who originated it and why, if you search you will find . . .

Best regards,

Jake

[Prester John]

Well, for what it is worth, I'm not even Scottish, but on St. Andrew's Day I celebrate a blessing and 'kirkin' o' the tartans' (in an Orthodox Church, no less), knowing full well that this is not a Scottish invention.

But, as an Orthodox priest, we bless everything! So cloth woven with the image of the cross (tartan!) is an easy thing to bless.

I don't know why a Scottish society would frown on your refusal to participate in a tradition which may honor Scots, but not originate from Scotland.

You'd best ask them!

[Ruanaidh]

The Kirking of the Tartans is a warm and moving ceremony. Does it really matter who started the tradition?

[Balaamsass51]

Hello Hospitaller.

Instead of "anathema" I believe the word you want is "adiaphora".

Matt

[macwilkin]

There is a great article on the Scottish Tartans Museum's web site about the origins of the Kirkin:

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

Of course, I do know the author, so I'm a bit biased.

Yes, the service did begin in the USA -- if you read the article, you'll notice that it was used to raise funds for British War Relief during the Second World War by the Rev. Peter Marshall, a noted Presbyterian minister and Scottish immigrant. Since you are a WWII reenactor, I would hope you would appreciate that.

Respectfully, Hector: have you ever been to a Kirkin' before? If not, I would ask you not to judge it before you participate in one. Not all kirkin' services are the same. You're always welcome at the one I organize.

Regards,

Todd

[hospitaller]

no, I meant anathema. religious reasons is the operating word remember?

;)

Hello Hospitaller.

Instead of "anathema" I believe the word you want is "adiaphora".

Matt

[hospitaller]

Yes, the service did begin in the USA -- if you read the article, you'll notice that it was used to raise funds for British War Relief during the Second World War by the Rev. Peter Marshall, a noted Presbyterian minister and Scottish immigrant. Since you are a WWII reenactor, I would hope you would appreciate that.

Indeed, times were grave back in those days.

Respectfully, Hector: have you ever been to a Kirkin' before? If not, I would ask you not to judge it before you participate in one. Not all kirkin' services are the same. You're always welcome at the one I organize

I have not been to a Kirkin before and I do not oppose it per se, I do however hold my beliefs dearly and I would not like to be 'a part' of one in any official capacity, be it as an organizer or as the person actually bringing the tartan to the altar, etc.

I can always go and watch as I'm sure plenty of people do, but as I mentioned, if I were to be a regent for my Clan in my area, wouldn't this be one of the requirements of the job?

If you pay the gas, I'm there anytime Todd!

[macwilkin]

I have not been to a Kirkin before and I do not oppose it per se, I do however hold my beliefs dearly and I would not like to be 'a part' of one in any official capacity, be it as an organizer or as the person actually bringing the tartan to the altar, etc.

Again, Hector, not all Kirkin's are the same. At our Kirkin' for example, the only tartans that are blessed are the ones being worn by those in attendance as part of an overall blessing. We tend to focus more on St. Andrew as the patron of Scotland, the Scottish roots of the Episcopal/Presbyterian Church, etc.

I like to compare the Kirkin' to other services, such as the Blessing of the Fleet services held by the Cajuns in Louisiana:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...041500582.html

I can always go and watch as I'm sure plenty of people do, but as I mentioned, if I were to be a regent for my Clan in my area, wouldn't this be one of the requirements of the job?

If you pay the gas, I'm there anytime Todd!

Not necessarily. It again really depends on the Kirkin' service and its organisers. At a games/festival I would say you would more likely see clan officers as participants.

Since you haven't actually attended a kirkin', I would strongly encourage you to investigate and study the tradition before making such strong conclusions. I would be happy to send you a draft of the service that our society presents.

If you would like, I would be happy to discuss this further via PM or e-mail since we are crossing the line into a "religious" topic.

Con respecto,

Todd

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I think what Hector is saying here is being overlooked. Unless I am misreading, he's saying he doesn't plan on participating in kirkin of the tartans services, for religious reasons, and would this fact affect his chances of holding a leadership position in his can society?

Rather than suggesting he attend kirkin services, I think we need to recognize that these are religious services, and if someone chooses not to attend, or to attend as an observer only, for religious reasons, that is a legitimate choice.

As to how this may effect your ability to serve in a leadership position in your clan society, that would depend one the clan society -- but the ones I know don't generally have any religious requirements for service, so I'd say you were in good shape.