I’ve always had a deep affection for Scotland, its people,
its history and culture. Today is Tartan Day which is celebrated in various
countries by those who are of Scottish descent. The tartan is easily
identifiable of Scottish heritage and culture. The day started as a celebration
of Scottish heritage in 1982 and eventually April 6 was chosen to be the
official date as it coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the
Declaration of Arbroath. Many of us would recognize a tartan or the Scottish
dress known as a kilt. However, many do not know the meaning behind the
patterns or even the colors. The origins of the day were to commemorate an
important anniversary.
A tartan is a pattern consisting of crisscrossed horizontal
and vertical bands in multiple colors. In the United States, the pattern is
often referred to as plaid which in Scottish Gaelic means blanket. Traditionally,
the tartans are made of wool; however, modern tartans can be made with
different materials. Even though the tartan we are familiar with today did not
appear in Scotland before the 16 century, the colors and patterns came to
represent the families or clans of Scotland. The tartans are a source of great
pride in the Scotland and are seen as a part of their heritage. The popular
tartans today are the Royal Stewart tartan which is the official tartan of
Queen Elizabeth II and the Black Watch Tartan. There are different tartans that
are worn for certain occasions such as dress or hunting.
The Royal Stewart Tartan
The Black Watch Tartan
In 1982, New York Governor Hugh Carey and New York City
Mayor Ed Koch declared July 1, 1982 as Tartan Day. It was a one-time
celebration of the 200th anniversary of the repeal of the Act of
Proscription of August 12, 1747, the law forbidding Scots to wear tartans.
March 9, 1986, a Tartan Day was proposed to promote Scottish heritage in Canada
by the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia. This is when April 6th
was chosen as Tartan Day and the first proclamation was made on April 6, 1987
in Nova Scotia. Other Canadian provinces would follow with Quebec proclaiming
April 6 as Tartan Day in December 2003. A Tartan Day is celebrated in other
countries besides United States and Canada. Australia celebrates Tartan Day in
July 1st. Even Argentina which has a large population with Scottish heritage
celebrates Tartan Day on April 6th. Regardless when the day is celebrated,
Tartan Day is celebrated with parades, Highland dancing and other Scottish
themed events.
The Declaration of Arbroath is the declaration of Scottish
independence. It was in the form of a letter to Pope John XXII dated April 6,
1320. The declaration intended to confirm Scotland’s status as an independent
sovereign state and defending Scotland’s right to use military action when
unjustly attacked. The declaration had a two purposes. First, it sought to
assert Scotland’s position as an independent kingdom rather than a feudal land
controlled by England. Second, it sought to lift the excommunication of Robert
the Bruce. The Pope had recognized Edward I of England’s claim to Scotland in
1305 and excommunicated Robert the Bruce for murdering John Comyn in the
Greyfriars Church in Dumfries in 1306. It is thought to be written by Bernard
of Kilwinning, Chancellor of Scotland and Abbot of Arbroath Abbey. It was
signed and sealed by 52 magnates and nobles. It wouldn’t be until March 1, 1328
when the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton renounced all English claims to
Scotland and removed the excommunication of Robert the Bruce.
Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish culture and
heritage. Depending on the country, the dates on which it is celebrated are
often important dates in Scottish history. For the United States and Canada,
April 6 is used to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath. The
tartan is a source of pride to the Scottish people. If you are Scottish, Happy
Tartan Day!
