kirking of the tartans...an american invention?

[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