February 22, 2009 @ 1PM, Margaret T. Hance Park.

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What is a Kirkin' O' The Tartans?

by Don Hoeck

The Kirkin' O' the Tartans is basically North American as far as tradition goes; yet its origins are as deeply rooted in the lore of Scottish history. In the year 563 AD, St. Columba, having discovered the tiny Isle of Iona in Scotland, had succeeded in converting the previously paganist Picts to Christianity. The resulting Church soon became a primal piece in the fabric of day-to-day Scottish life.

The Scots have always displayed strong Christian convictions, no matter what faiths they worship under. Moreover, they steadfastly observe Sunday as a high holy day, in accordance with the Fourth of the Ten Commandments --- "Remember the Sabbath day; to keep it holy."

Now, let's learn where the tartan part of this tale comes in. Tartans have long played a major role in Scotland's history and culture. In the beginning, the various tartans of all known Clansmen represented the people of certain districts; in later years, however, the tartans came to stand for all Scottish Clans, including their septs and families --- regardless of whatever name they bore.

The original dyes that were used to color the wool were usually made from the vegetables grown in each family's garden, whereas the fabric undoubtedly came from the wool of the sheep that they raised. In that sense, the tartan often stood as a symbol of the hard labor and diligence of the Scotsmen.

As the life and work of the Scots was depicted via the composition of the tartans, so too were Christianity and the Kirk interwoven into their family lives and traditions. How fitting, then, that the idea might come to pass that the tartan should be brought to the Kirk to be blessed before the Lord.

Over the years, as both the tartans and the Scottish Church evolved, most Clansmen and their families would explore new, innovative ways to wear their colors proudly, while simultaneously observing the Lord's Day as they saw fit. Among the most frequent of these observances was the Sunday Tartan Service, during which the Sunday or dress kilt was often worn. This was a finer-quality woolen kilt with more white wool than that of the average everyday kilt.

In Scottish history the tartans played significant roles in the Highlanders' dress codes, as well as in their distinct battle uniforms. As the English ultimately discovered, the tartan was, more than anything else, central to the Scots' overall identity and purpose. In fact, it was their most common link. Because of this, each year an annual service was held at which the Clansfolk, dressed in their finest tartan colors, rededicated each other to their Heavenly Father; and praised Him in eternal gratitude for His having watched over them during the year just past.

Some historians tell us that such an event took place around the time of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500's. But by the time of the events culminating in the Proscription Act of 1746, it had become illegal to wear or even to display the tartan, much less play the bagpipes or sing Highland songs. As a result, the Rededication Service obviously could not be held. It is not certain that the Scots, after the Battle of Culloden Moor in 1746, when they were forbidden to wear the tartan, because it was a symbol of Scottish rebellion against England, brought bits of tartan to church specifically to secure God's blessing on their clan colors. But, as with many other traditions rooted in popular myths, we'll not dispute this claim and the following is to provide additional historic context.

The Scots were determined to hold fast to their ancient identities and the true meaning of their blessed rites. To that end, a sort of 'underground' Kirkin' o' the Tartans would often be held. The Clansfolk would usually walk to their nearest Kirk in an orderly fashion, sometimes carrying upon their person swatches of the material, appropriately concealed, to be 'Kirked'. Then, at a time and pre-arranged signal known only to both clergy and parishioners, the Clansmen and Clanswomen would fondle their tiny tartan bits, while the presiding minister blessed the cloth in fluent Scottish Gaelic.

At this point, the history of the Kirkin' o' the Tartans becomes rather vague in terms of its continuance throughout history. Though the Rededication Sunday Service was restored, as were the wearing of the tartan and kilt, no further references to such a service are known to be recorded in any subsequent printed histories of Scotland. And so, fast forward to the mid-20th Century... and a man named Dr. Peter Marshall.

The event took place in Washington, DC, at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. At the time, Dr. Marshall -himself a native Scotsman, having been born in Glasgow - was pastor and presided at the first Kirkin' O' the Tartans in the U.S A., April 27, 1941. Dr. Marshall was named the very first Chaplain of the United States Senate --- a post he would hold for what proved to be the final three years of his life. One could say the tradition behind what is now known as Kirkin' O' the Tartans is neither very long, nor altogether Scottish.

There were more non-Scots than Scots at the first "Kirkin'" in Washington, DC. This is itself a very Scottish thing since the Scots are a mix of peoples: Picts, Angles, and Scots from Ireland, Britons, and Scandinavians, to name a few. So, whether you think of yourself as Scottish or not, the variety of our ethnic origins is symbolic of the mix of peoples that make up Scotland. The church when occupied by people of different origins bespeaks our common standing before the one God in Whom "we live, and move, and have our being."

This is what Dr. Marshall sought through the Kirkin', to unite not only members of his church but the country as a whole. While the US was not yet in WWII it was apparent to many that it would be forced upon it and unity must prevail. The United States then as now is a diverse lot. More religious, ethnic and racial groups as well as political views expressed exist in our borders than ever before in the history of our nation. Diversity can mean growth and perhaps the Kirkin' may be a way to bridge by finding our common dedication.

The heart of every Kirkin' o' the Tartans service is the Presentation of the Tartans of the Clan, Regiment and/or Region.... a constant symbol of the rededication of Scotsfolk everywhere to the service of our Heavenly Father. Yet, the Kirkin' o' the Tartans always serves as an exercise for all peoples, all faiths --- enhanced by such wonderful elements as the singing of the Psalms, the dignity, honor and sacrosanctness of the Presentation, and the close bonds of fellowship shared by those who become a part of this very unique, extremely reverent ceremony.