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.