Tartan Day

**ctbuchanan** · 21st March 14, 09:17 AM

I think you are putting too much emphasis on the word 'tartan'. Here in the US the use of the word in this instance is really meant to be more symbolic of the Scots not the fabric/design. It just sounds better than Arbroath Day (to be confused with Arbor Day?) or Scotland Day etc. But, I wasn't in on the decision so I don't know for certain.

**creagdhubh** · 21st March 14, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by ctbuchanan

I think you are putting too much emphasis on the word 'tartan'. Here in the US the use of the word in this instance is really meant to be more symbolic of the Scots not the fabric/design. It just sounds better than Arbroath Day (to be confused with Arbor Day?) or Scotland Day etc. But, I wasn't in on the decision so I don't know for certain.

Precisely. Good point.

**TheOfficialBren** · 23rd March 14, 11:08 AM

It's more of a salad bowl than a melting pot.

Agreed about 01 July rather than 06 April.

And yes, Tartan Day here in the US is more of an all - inclusive day of celebrating Scottish culture and contributions to our society, in theory. In reality it is virtually ignored with nearly the entire populace completely unaware of its existence.

**Father Bill** · 23rd March 14, 11:23 AM

The suggestion of July 1 is unlikely to catch on here in Canada as that is our national holiday - Canada Day (formerly "Dominion Day.")

**imrichmond** · 23rd March 14, 01:26 PM

Father Bill is quite right. If Tartan Day were celebrated on 1 July here in Canada, it would be completely overshadowed by the Canada Day celebrations, which involve parades, military fly-pasts and various entertainments and events all across Canada (although downplayed in most of Quebec, which has its own patriotic celebration on 24 June, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day). The tartan is usually well represented at Canada Day events, though, since there is hardly a parade anywhere in this country that does not include at least one pipe band. Highland dancers also are often on the program of public entertainments.

**rmccool** · 24th March 14, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by ctbuchanan

I think you are putting too much emphasis on the word 'tartan'. Here in the US the use of the word in this instance is really meant to be more symbolic of the Scots not the fabric/design. It just sounds better than Arbroath Day (to be confused with Arbor Day?) or Scotland Day etc. But, I wasn't in on the decision so I don't know for certain.

Agreed. Also, while July 1 may make sense from a historic perspective, it's a bad choice in the US because it is so close to Independence Day (July 4) that it would be lost in the preparations for the celebration of our national holiday.

**ctbuchanan** · 24th March 14, 10:50 AM

I actually like the choice of the date here in the US. It can be a tad chilly still here up north, but for many of us active with the Highland events it is a nice kick off to the season. And I agree that July 1 would never work up against the 4th of July for us and Dominion Day for my friends even farther up north. Plus July can be too darn hot in a lot of places to be marching in wool.