The most ridiculous.......

[Carolina Kiltman]

I have just scrolled through all the previous posts (including mine own) and I thought of one more myth: That the Kirkin' O the Tartan, dates back to the acts of proscription. . . . that people hid pieces of their clan tartans, and would sneak them into the church for a special blessing.

This has been well covered in another thread. I think the true origin, by the Rev. Peter Marshall, as a means of raising money to aid the Scots who were being bombed during the early days of WWII is far and away much more fabulous. The outpouring of concern (and money) for a people from whom most of us are several generations removed, is truly a wonderful thing.

[macwilkin]

I have just scrolled through all the previous posts (including mine own) and I thought of one more myth: That the Kirkin' O the Tartan, dates back to the acts of proscription. . . . that people hid pieces of their clan tartans, and would sneak them into the church for a special blessing.

This has been well covered in another thread. I think the true origin, by the Rev. Peter Marshall, as a means of raising money to aid the Scots who were being bombed during the early days of WWII is far and away much more fabulous. The outpouring of concern (and money) for a people from whom most of us are several generations removed, is truly a wonderful thing.

Aye, here's an article on the real history of the Kirkin':

http://www.scottishtartans.org/kirkin.htm

By the way, Fernec M. Szasz tells a story about the Chief of the Cherokee Nation, John Ross (whose father was Scottish) calling for the Cherokees to raise funds to send to Scotland in 1847 for famine relief. Ross reportedly said in article in The Cherokee Advocate: "Have the Scotch no claim on the Cherokees?" "Have they not a very especial claim? They have."

The Cherokees reportedly raised $190 for the Scots.

Regards,

Todd