Joining A Clan?

[Detroitpete]

The term "band of brothers" pretty well sums it up. The same is true of the navy, especially on the small combatants. (DD and DE in my day)

AYE!! From SBU's !!! 8 years on small boats with small teams ;-)

And to the Marine who posted--Semper Fi, Mack!

HOLD FAST--RANT COMING!!!

I may be getting set in my ways and a wee bit 'crusty' but I really don't stomach well the nay-sayers about today's Clans. I could give a fat-flyin-filp if theses "Associations" aren't the actual clans of yester-year. I get fed up with all the chatter from others trying to TELL others what they should or shouldn't do. From wether they should join a clan, to what if any-tartan they 'deserve' to wear.

In my mind those who attempt to act as anything other than a brother in support and offer adivice--well---are wound just a bit too tight for me. Bet ya couldn't get a sewing needle up their **** with a jackhammer...

I digress...

The first question I ask if someone asks about joining a clan is..."What will YOU DO for THEM?"

I think clan associations are involved in many positive things in our communities--so, if this trips your trigger--then JOIN--but Join to SERVE.

If all one can do is belittle these efforts--my advice, be quiet and get out of the way of people trying to do something positive.

Oh--and one more thing...feel free to try to tell ME what clan I can/can't be a part of or what tartan I should/shouldn't wear ;-)

-Proud US Navy veteran, proud member of the Clan MacLaren Association of North America.

[Tommy Hunt]

Bravo Pete!

[CDNSushi]

King Henry V:

This day is called the Feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a-tiptoe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall see this day and live t'old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say "To-morrow is Saint Crispian":
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars
And say "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remembered.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now abed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day. (IV, iii)

[gilmore]

So in order to be a clan member proper one would need show a bloodline connection?

It depends on the clan association. Some do, most don't.

[Highlander31]

I am a MacGregor on my mother's side (my father is Irish.) When she joined the clan she had to fill out a family history to show the linage, something that was made easy with the family papers dating back to the 1600's (I understand that is not a requirement now.) At the time, I wasn't interested in belonging to a clan. My children are showing an interest so that may happen in the near future.

The clan has had a DNA testing program for several years now. The reason for this is twofold, first because of the proscription forbidding MacGregors to use their name, wear their tartan, or gather in a group larger than 6, makes it difficult for people to trace their heritage. The second reason is to trace the clan's roots (not just to Gregor who lived in the 14th century.) It should be interesting in 10 or 20 years see the results.

Oh,...btw you wouldn't happen to know where there might be some cattle that just might need some attending to?

[Detroitpete]

Highlander31

AHAHAHAHAHAHAAAH!!! "Some cattle that just might need attending to" HILARIOUS--uh, maybe you should ask a MacLaren about some land that needs watching too, brother ;-)

But then wasn't it young John MacLaren, who challanged Rob Roy to a duel over stolen cattle and then....oh...well the rest is history as they say brother MacGregor.

I'm just joking with you friend, as I'm sure you were to, but I think this illustrates something about being a part of a clan that still, even in this day and age, carries the stories and histories forward.

If I meet ya MacGregor, the first drink's on me--then let's get to the old stories ;-)

[Deil the Yin]

Ard Choille, yall! Giv'em hell!

[ardchoille]

I contacted my clan about this because I was curious, and they told me:

"Clan" means family. If you are a part of that family, then you are already a member of that clan. If you aren't a member of that family, there is no way to join that clan.

Now, many won't agree with this, but it's what I was told. I'm very happy that the XMarks clan has open membership

[ardchoille]

We are a Clan in the true sense of the word, by our loyalty to Chief Highlandtide, as controlled by his commissioners (the Mod Squad), and outfitted by the clan quartermaster, Wizard of BC. Far more important than the number of posts that I have racked up is the fine friendship of the members of Clan X-Marks the Scot.

I couldn't have said it better myself

Good on ya!

[macwilkin]

I contacted my clan about this because I was curious, and they told me:

"Clan" means family. If you are a part of that family, then you are already a member of that clan. If you aren't a member of that family, there is no way to join that clan.

Now, many won't agree with this, but it's what I was told. I'm very happy that the XMarks clan has open membership

Hmm...here's what the Lord Lyon has to say:

Every person who has the same surname as the chief is deemed to be a member of the clan. Equally a person who offers allegiance to the chief is recognised as a member of the clan unless the chief decides that he will not accept that person's allegiance.*

*Emphasis mine.

I think I'd go with the Lyon Court's take -- it certainly follows historical prescedence.

Regards,

Todd