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The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartanand the Blessing of the Wee BeastiesAn ecumenical service blessing families, individuals,
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THE tradition of the Kirking of the Tartan is inspired by what is said to be an old Highland legend. After the defeat of the Jacobites by the English at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the wearing or posession of tartan cloth in the Highlands was outlawed. According to legend, on one Sunday a year, Jacobite sympathizers went to church with a small piece of tartan concealed in their clothing. At a certain point in the service, the tartan was touched as the minister said a blessing, so as to confer the blessing also on those whom the piece of tartan represented. Of course, this defiance of English law may have provided some additional satisfaction as well!
The first Kirking in the United States was held in April, 1941, by Scottish-born Chaplain of the US Senate, Dr. Peter Marshall, who was minister of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. To encourage Scottish Americans to sign up to fight in World War II on behalf of Great Britain, Dr. Marshall attempted to instill pride among Scottish Americans in their Scottish homeland. The idea for the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan soon spread, and the ceremony is now held in churches across the USA and elsewhere. The Scottish Society of Santa Barbara holds its Kirking each spring at Trinity Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara. Those interested are invited to present a piece of tartan for a blessing. “Wee beasties” (family pets) are welcome too, but need a reservation. Please call 805-967-0309 for more information about bringing your “wee beastie”! | ||||||
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Correspondence: Scottish Society of Santa Barbara |