About The "Kirkin O' The Tartans"

Last Sunday, April 6th, was "Tartan Day", a time of year when families celebrate with a "Kirkin' O' the Tartans." On April 4th of this year, the President proclaimed the national holiday observance of National Tartan Day in perpetuity on April 6th of each year, the date chosen because on that date in 1320 at Arbroath Abbey, the Earls and Barons of Scotland sent a letter to the Pope, asking him to recognize Scotland's independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as Scotland's lawful King; the letter known as the Declaration of Arbroath."

A "Kirking" simply put, is a Blessing of the Family or Clan. Those of Scottish descent wear a swatch of family tartan or don a kilt and worship complete with Christian Celtic music, the skirl of the bagpipes, and a special blessing on family and kin, whether you are Scottish or not!

On April 27th, 1941, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate orginated the American version of the Kirkin' in the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.

The custom began in Scotland when the clans were called to war, assembled in the Kirk (church) for roll call and blassing before engaging in battle. After defeat of Scottish efforts to reclaim the throne at The Battle of Culloden (1745), the wearing of the tartan and playing of bagpipes were banned.

However, small scraps of tartan were secretly carried- tokens of family and pride dept in deifance of British rule, to preserve scottish dignity and in honor of the famly heritage they represent. At a prearranged signal from the pastor (often pastoral prayer) worshippers would touch the tartan in memory of the traditio and heritage denied them.

A Kirkin' includes a processional, recessional, Celtic music and anthems with the highland bagpipes, a roll call of th clans where names of families are spoken to honor their heritage, standing when their calns are called.

For us a Kirkin' O' the Tartans celebrates the Scottish roots of hte Presbyterian denomination It can be translated as "the churching of the families." With that in mind, even if your name happens to be something not quite Scottish, you are certainly a part of the celebration and the blessings of the worship are for you and your family as well.

The Roll Call is concluded with "Clan Dia" or Family of God, which includes all of God's people (at which time those not of Scottish ancestry also honor God and family by rising). The Roll Call concludes with a Scottish Blessing.