kirking of the tartans...an american invention?

[vmac3205]

Well, my goodness, this thread has certainly generated some interesting reading and some unusual response.
As a practicing RC, the Kirkin is not part of my religious heretige. My dear spouse, however, as a C of S and a great admirer of the Rev. Dr. Peter Marshall has attended the services since the 50's. When they are available, I attend the services with him and really enjoy them. It heightens my pride in my Scottish heretige, and give me a feeling of belonging to something greater than the individual. I am thankful to Dr. Marshall for starting this tradition, and hope it continues to flourish in a world that is becoming more secular every year.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Well, my goodness, this thread has certainly generated some interesting reading and some unusual response.
As a practicing RC, the Kirkin is not part of my religious heretige. My dear spouse, however, as a C of S and a great admirer of the Rev. Dr. Peter Marshall has attended the services since the 50's. When they are available, I attend the services with him and really enjoy them. It heightens my pride in my Scottish heretige, and give me a feeling of belonging to something greater than the individual. I am thankful to Dr. Marshall for starting this tradition, and hope it continues to flourish in a world that is becoming more secular every year.

Similar situation here, I'm RC, my wife is Episcopal, and we live in the midst of "Scotland West" as it were. I do find the ceremony beautiful and moving. If any one feels it isn't for him/her, or is a form of idolatry, then just don't go. We do lots of ceremonial things in the secular world too (the political conventions come to mind, wonder why? ) So, if ceremony is an enjoyable thing for you fine. If it isn't fine also. Some like haggis, others do not. 'nuff said.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

lads and lassies, looking information on clan regency requirements, I've found that a lot of clans and local scottish societies perform something 'kirking of the tartans' which is basically the 'blessing' of pieces of tartan for the participating clans. ...for the religious reasons... I do not want to be a part of that 'ceremony', but I wonder if this refusal will in any way damage my intentions of eventually take a leadership role (regency or assistant) in my local Clan?

Any thoughts on this 'anathema' tradition?

Leadership requires total commitment-- leaders don't "pick and choose", but rather have to set aside their personal ideologies/grudges in the interest of leading their clan. What you may consider to be an "anathema" is, in all probability, near and dear to the hearts of your fellow clanfolk.

To accept a position of leadership, and then refuse to participate fully in every aspect of clan life, could be seen as a display of arrogance, or hypocrisy, or perhaps both. If you don't feel that you could represent your clan 100% of the time, every time you are called upon to do so, then you should probably re-think your aspirations in climbing up the clan totem pole.

Leadership, after all, is about serving others.

[hospitaller]

Well, I do not have plans, aspirations or intentions to 'climb up a clan totem pole'.

And personal convictions are exactly that, personal.

Whatever a Clan wants to do, as long as it doesnt interfere with my PERSONAL convictions, is fine and dandy.

Which is why as far as I know, no Clan requires any member to submit to any given position, iedology, color or faith.
Only requirement is either name or descent.

Your definition of leadership is fine for you I guess.

In my neck of the woods and given the current clan situation, leadership is about building something from nothing.

Thanks for being judgmental though.

Moderators please lock/close, no matter what, these topics always deviate.

Leadership requires total commitment-- leaders don't "pick and choose", but rather have to set aside their personal ideologies/grudges in the interest of leading their clan. What you may consider to be an "anathema" is, in all probability, near and dear to the hearts of your fellow clanfolk.

To accept a position of leadership, and then refuse to participate fully in every aspect of clan life, could be seen as a display of arrogance, or hypocrisy, or perhaps both. If you don't feel that you could represent your clan 100% of the time, every time you are called upon to do so, then you should probably re-think your aspirations in climbing up the clan totem pole.

Leadership, after all, is about serving others.

[macwilkin]

Thread closed, as per Hector's request.

Regards,

Todd