Why so serious?

[beloitpiper]

Now, I'm not talking about reenactors that have swords with historical purpose. I'm talking about the guys wearing the raggéd PC outfit with a huge feather in the caps, carrying an over sized claymore as if a ninja is going to jump in and steal the haggis. There's an 'honor guard' at all of the events in Wisconsin that parades around with flags and swords and it makes me laugh. Why is there such a stupid macho attitude at all of these Scottish events? Yes, clan have a war-torn past and the Scots are certainly fearless warriors, but at a civilian function, shouldn't we be acting civil?

[macwilkin]

Now, I'm not talking about reenactors that have swords with historical purpose. I'm talking about the guys wearing the raggéd PC outfit with a huge feather in the caps, carrying an over sized claymore as if a ninja is going to jump in and steal the haggis. There's an 'honor guard' at all of the events in Wisconsin that parades around with flags and swords and it makes me laugh. Why is there such a stupid macho attitude at all of these Scottish events? Yes, clan have a war-torn past and the Scots are certainly fearless warriors, but at a civilian function, shouldn't we be acting civil?

Greg,

A haggis "escort" at a Burns Supper is supposed to be "tongue-in-cheek", as the Address is itself. The reason for this part of the ceremony is Burns referring to the lowly Haggis as the "Great Chieftain o' the puddin' race", as I mentioned before.

As far as honour guards and parties go, I find your comments somewhat ironic, considering you're a member of a pipe band, which is an institution which is very military in origin.

I've seen some very well done honour/colour parties, and some very bad ones.

T.

[skauwt]

thankfully if they try that in Scotland now they`ll just get huckeld into the back of a paddy wagon ,
carrying any weapon is illegal and that especially goes for those whopping claymores
unless they are actors doing a fighting show then as sad as it may sound if i saw someone in this country jumping about with a weapon like that at games just for the hell of it id have no worries in letting the local bobbies know

[Panache]

Now, I'm not talking about reenactors that have swords with historical purpose. I'm talking about the guys wearing the raggéd PC outfit with a huge feather in the caps, carrying an over sized claymore as if a ninja is going to jump in and steal the haggis. There's an 'honor guard' at all of the events in Wisconsin that parades around with flags and swords and it makes me laugh. Why is there such a stupid macho attitude at all of these Scottish events? Yes, clan have a war-torn past and the Scots are certainly fearless warriors, but at a civilian function, shouldn't we be acting civil?

Greg,

It is part of the fun!

The Address to a Haggis is actually a pretty funny poem. Bringing the simple haggis in on a silver platter with great ceremony, with an honor guard, led by a piper adds a certain wonderful ridiculousness to the poem that follows.

Burns himself had quite the sense of humor (see this link below)

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...8&postcount=38

I can't but help think that Robert Burns would have smiled broadly to see his poem to a sausage turned into such a delightfully fun production.

I'm not big on the whole weapons and kilts thing unless one is at some sort of costumed event like a Renaissance Faire, but I think that it is quite fine for a haggi procession

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: