National Tartan Day

National Tartan Day: A Celebration of Scottish Heritage

National Tartan Day is a holiday that takes place every April 6th in the United States. It was officially recognized by the U.S. Senate in 1998, through the efforts of a group of Scottish-American organizations and individuals who sought to have a day dedicated to honoring and celebrating Scottish heritage in America. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth overview of National Tartan Day, the origin of tartan, the Scottish-American community, and ways to celebrate the holiday.

The Origin of Tartan

Tartan is a patterned cloth that is typically associated with Scotland. The word “tartan” comes from the French word “tiretaine” which means “cloth of a certain kind.” Tartan has been a part of Scottish culture for centuries and it has been used for a variety of purposes such as clothing, blankets, and even as a symbol of clan identity. Tartan is a powerful representation of Scotland’s rich history and culture, each clan has its own tartan pattern, and it’s worn with great pride by its members.

The Scottish-American Community

Scottish Americans have significantly impacted the United States in many areas such as politics, business, and the arts. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, was of Scottish descent. Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate, and philanthropist was also of Scottish descent. In politics, James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, was of Scottish descent. National Tartan Day is a way to honor and celebrate Scottish Americans’ heritage and acknowledge their contributions to the United States.

Scottish immigration to the United States has been taking place for centuries, with the first major wave of Scottish immigrants arriving in the 17th century. Many of these early immigrants were lowlanders who were seeking economic opportunities in the colonies. They settled in the middle colonies of New York, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas.

The next significant wave of Scottish immigrants arrived in the 18th century, and many of these immigrants were highlanders who were displaced by the Highland Clearances. They settled in the Appalachian Mountains and in the southern colonies.

The third and final wave of Scottish immigrants arrived in the 19th century, and many of these immigrants were skilled tradespeople and professionals. They settled in the cities and towns of the northern colonies. Today, Scottish Americans are one of the largest ancestry groups in the United States, with an estimated population of over 10 million.

The Scottish-American community today is a vibrant and diverse group of people who are united by their shared heritage and culture. There are many organizations and groups that exist to support and promote Scottish heritage and culture in the United States, such as the Scottish American Society, the Scottish Heritage Society of the Americas, and the Caledonian Club. These organizations host events such as Burns Night suppers, Ceilidhs, and Highland Games, which are opportunities for Scottish Americans to come together and celebrate their heritage.

How to Celebrate National Tartan Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Tartan Day. One way is to wear tartan clothing or accessories, traditional Scottish clothing such as the kilt, which is worn by men, and the earasaid, worn by women. Another way is to incorporate tartan into your home decor.

Many Scottish societies, pipe bands, and cultural groups organize events and parades across the US on National Tartan Day, such as the New York City Tartan Day Parade, The Alexandria, Va. Tartan Day Parade, and the Chicago Tartan Day Parade. These events are a great way to learn more about Scottish heritage and culture, and to participate in the celebration. You can also attend Scottish festivals and events such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Celtic Connections, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Giving a Tartan Gift to a Beloved Friend

National Tartan Day is also a great opportunity to give a tartan-themed gift to a beloved friend. A tartan gift is a great way to show that you care and it is a thoughtful way to honor someone’s Scottish heritage. There are many options for tartan gifts such as clothing, accessories, home decor, and even food items like shortbread and whisky. You can also personalize the gift by including a special message or by incorporating the recipient’s clan tartan.

Scottish Music, Dance, Food, and other cultural elements

Scottish culture is rich and diverse, it encompasses traditional music, dance, food, and other cultural elements that are an essential part of Scotland’s heritage. Traditional Scottish music is played on instruments like the bagpipes, fiddle, and harp, and it often features songs and ballads that tell stories of love, loss, and Scottish history.

Traditional Scottish dance, such as the Highland dance, is an important part of Scottish culture and it is performed at events like Highland Games and Ceilidhs. Scottish food is hearty and flavorful, it includes dishes like haggis, neeps, tatties, Cullen skink, and Cullenbie, and it’s often accompanied by a dram of whisky.

Symbolism and meaning behind different tartans

Tartan patterns are not just a matter of aesthetics, they have a deep symbolic meaning and significance. Each clan has its own tartan pattern, and it’s worn with great pride by its members. The colors and patterns of a clan tartan can tell a story about the clan’s history, its location, and its relationship with other clans.

For example, some tartans have a dominant color of blue, which represents the clan’s association with the sea. Other tartans have a dominant color of green, which represents the clan’s association with the land. Additionally, the patterns and colors of a tartan can also convey the clan’s status and wealth.

Conclusion

National Tartan Day is a holiday that is meant to celebrate and honor the heritage of Scottish Americans. It is a day to embrace tartan, learn more about Scottish culture, and acknowledge Scottish Americans’ contributions to the United States. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in the celebration and to show your appreciation for Scotland and its rich heritage. The Scottish culture encompasses traditional music, dance, food, and other cultural elements that are an essential part of Scotland’s heritage. The symbolism behind the different clan’s tartans is deep and rich.