presentation ceremony

[bchunter]

I have a cousin that intends to hand down their entire collection of Scottish attire to their nephew. This includes a kilt, PC, hose, belt, sporran, etc. I've been asked to be there to officiate some sort of presentation ceremony. Anyone ever heard of any such affair? Suggestions are most welcome.

[Chas]

Make it up. Make sure it includes some Burns (To a mouse - maybe) and some piping (Flower of Scotland, so everybody can join in with the singing is nice) and some whisky, passed from the nephew to the cousin by way of appreciation.

Regards

Chas

[Kornkob]

Most traditional and family ceremonies began, I imagine, as a result of someone trying to add little pomp and circumstance to an event. No harm in that.

Treat it with appropriate dignity and don't imply that the ceremony has much historical basis and all will go well.

[piperdbh]

You might want to have the giver tell a little story about when and where he's worn each item, such as "This is the kilt I wore when I proposed," or "I wore these hose when we buried your grandfather," or "I bought this sporran in Sauchiehall Street the year I won the lottery." And take pictures.

[Chas]

And how about a Saltire (quite cheap on eBay) draped over a table on which all the goods are stacked.

Regards

Chas

[MacBean]

Link it in with an opportunity to wear it together with other family members, such as a dinner, games, night out...?

[ohiopiper]

I agree with KornKob. Make the presentation special, but don't try to give it any flair that implies a long tradition. A simple explanation of each item should include when it was acquired, any special circumstances surrounding its acquisition, any and all special or memorable events regarding or related to it and of course where it was acquired.

The personal history is what will make it special, not some hokey "back in the mists of time" humbug.

I have a small pocketknife that was given to me by my great-grandfather. There was no story made up about it. There was the honest and unvarnished truth. He stole it when he was a youth. He was found out and whipped by his father who made him turn over his farming pay to make ammends. No humbug story. The truth and close family relation makes for tradition.

[bchunter]

All good advice. I like the honest, low key approach and the link of something about the history of each piece. Thank you, and I'll post pics when the event unfolds.

[bchunter]

Oh, we'll definately have a cake. And, btw, this will be in Ashville.