“Of
all the small nations of this earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass
the Scots in their contribution to mankind.”
― Winston Churchill
― Winston Churchill
Before visiting Scotland, learning a little about her
legends, traditions, culture, and symbols may help explain much of what you see
and hear while on tour. Here’s a brief
explanation of a few…all things Scotland.
First of all, Scotch is a type of whisky. Her people are called Scots, or described as
Scottish.
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| Kilt and sporran |
A kilt
is a short, pleated skirt made of tartan originally designed for climbing
throughout the rough hills of the Highlands, but has now become the national
dress of Scotland. A sporran is the
leather or fur bag carried around the waist as the kilt has no pockets. You might want to watch this video “How to Wear a Full Formal Kilt Outfit.” And to answer the most asked question…what’s UNDER the kilt? Check out a True Scotsman.
The thistle is
the national flower of Scotland. Legend says that a sleeping party of Scottish
warriors was saved from invading Norsemen when one of the enemy stepped on the
prickly pink blossom and yelled out in pain. Knowing the thistle is the
national flower now makes “A Gift of
a Thistle” scene in the movie Braveheart
even more touching.
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| Bagpipes |
No one needs three guesses to name the national
instrument of Scotland. Although bagpipes are
primarily associated with Scotland, they are not exclusive to her. Countries all over the world have used them
for entertainment, in the military, and for memorials. Some ancient carvings date the bagpipe
back to 1,000 b.c. One of the most unusual Scottish carvings is a gargoyle pig
playing the bagpipes on the ruins of Melrose Abbey in the Scottish Borders!
Although the majority of the world’s redheads
can be found in Ireland, Great Britain, and Western Europe, the highest
percentage can be found in Scotland. In
fact, 13 per cent of all redheads live in Scotland, and even more carry the
recessive ‘red hair’ gene. Why? Scientists believe that it is the gloomy
weather! Redheads typically have pale
skin, freckles, and sensitivity to sunlight.
And what do scientist believe could possibly reduce
the number of redheads…global warming!
Warmer days would bring more sunny weather. That darn global warming wrecks everything!
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| Luckenbooth brooch |
When you go souvenir shopping,
consider the Luckenbooth
brooch. Folklore says it provides
protection for babies from the ‘evil-eye,’ and legend associates it with Mary,
Queen of Scots, as it is designed with two intertwined hearts topped by a crown
making it look like a romanticized M in a royal monogram. The name comes from the luckenbooths, or locked
booths, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh that sold trinkets and jewelry. Traditionally, a young man gives his bride a Luckenbooth
brooch on their wedding day.
Ever wondered about the difference between the Picts and the Celts? Well, that’s a hard one as there are many
theories. Basically Picts were the
earliest known inhabitants of northern Scotland…but that’s according to a Roman
author who first called them Picts (picti), Latin for “to paint,” hence the
idea that they painted their bodies. The Romans, in general, called them Caledonians. We don’t know what they called themselves, as
they left no written record except for stone art carvings. Celts, on the other hand, are believed to be a
much older race which originated on the mainland of Europe. They eventually migrated to Scotland, Ireland
and England and intermingled with the native people.
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| Celtic Cross |
The Celtic
cross is a symbol that combines a cross with a ring surrounding the
intersection. It is primarily associated
with Ireland because of the legend that Saint Patrick introduced the Celtic cross,
but they can also be found
in Scotland. No one is really sure
about its origin
or meaning.
For a tiny country, Scotland has made a big impact in the
arena of sports. Most people are aware
that Scotland is known as the “Home of Golf,”
with St.
Andrews as the most well-known golf course since 1552. Scotland has over 550 courses, with 94 in Glasgow alone. Comedian Robin Williams explains it all in this video!
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| Curling |
Also introduced in Scotland was curling, a team sport
where a curler hurls a granite stone down an ice path with two other players
using “brooms” to alter the state of the ice for a score. It was first recorded in public record by a
notary in 1540. Two time world champion
David Murdoch introduces you to the world of curling in this video.
And then…there’s shinty. Played primarily in the Scottish Highlands or
by Highland immigrants, it is sort of like field hockey. Watching this video on shinty makes me want
to be a mile away…it looks really dangerous!
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| Shortbread |
At mealtime, you might want to familiarize yourself with
a few Scottish dishes. Some you’ll
probably want to try and others…well, you decide. Shortbread is a classic
Scottish dessert made of sugar, butter, and flour. Walker’s Shortbread Ltd. is
Scotland’s largest food exporter and it can be bought in many US markets, but if
you’d like to make your own, here’s a traditional recipe.
In addition to traditional bacon and eggs, a full
Scottish breakfast could include tattie scones (potato scones), grilled
tomatoes, baked beans, porridge (oatmeal), black pudding (pork blood
sausage), and kippers (cold smoked herring).
Scotland’s national dish is haggis, a sausage pudding made
from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, lungs) combined with oatmeal and spices
traditionally stuffed in the animal’s stomach, served with neeps (turnips),
tatties (potatoes), and whisky. Yum!
And in Scotland…a kirk is a
church. The national Church of Scotland
is Presbyterian. A crofter is a farmer. A ceilidh is a party
with music and dancing (try guessing that pronunciation). And if you really want to learn some totally
Scottish words, then watch this slide show, 50 Weird
Scottish Words.
Now try your hand with this short quiz on “All Things
Scotland.” (Answers below, but don’t
peek!)
1. Are
Shetland ponies native to the Shetland Islands in Scotland?
2. Are
Highland cattle native to the Scottish Highlands?
3. Do
the Scots really dance the Highland Fling?
4. Does
the Scottish terrier really originate in Scotland?
5. Were
the Highland Games invented by the Scottish Highlanders?
6. Were
Scotch eggs first made in Scotland?
Answers:
1. Yep…the
hardy
little ponies have been roaming the Shetland
Isles for over 2,000 years, possibly since the Bronze Age.
2. Yep…this
rugged breed of cattle was first developed in the
Highlands of western Scotland.
Characterized by their long
horns and shaggy coats, they are now raised by breeders all over the world.
3. Yep…and
it is considered the traditional
solo dance of Scotland. This style
of dancing is always performed in a
kilt and has spread around the world in competitions.
4. Yep…also
known as the Scottie,
it is one of 5 breeds to originate in Scotland. It is the only breed of dog to live in the White
House three times, with Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and George W.
Bush.
5. Yep…or
most likely anyway. The games have a long history,
but most agree they began in Scotland at clan gatherings either to test
athletic prowess or to choose the mightiest warriors for battle. Today, competitions are held around the world testing
such skills as the hammer throw
or caber toss. (But sorry, the
game of twisting the four legs off a cow for a fat sheep prize is no longer
held in civilized games…imagine that!) And did I mention that they wear kilts for
this event too?
6. Nope…a London department
store claims to have made them first in the 1730’s. It is a shelled hard-boiled egg, wrapped in
sausage, coated with bread crumbs and deep fried. Known as a picnic food, Scotch eggs are found
in most pubs and grocery stores. Want to
try your hand at them? Here’s the recipe.
And in case something has been omitted, check out this
list of 10
Things You Should Know About Scotland—it seems I missed a few. You’ll be surprised to learn the official
animal of Scotland.
On a final note…Scotland is one of four states within the
United Kingdom of Great Britain, which also includes England, Wales, and
Northern Ireland. On Sept. 18, 2014,
those 16 years of age and older will vote on
Scotland’s independence from Great Britain.
In a bit of sarcastic prose, The
Guardian addresses Scottish independence in an article entitled “DearScotland: here are 76 things we'd like to apologise for, love England.” (Note added after Sept. 18: Scotland voted to stay with Great Britain.)
In the words of Scotland’s famous freedom fighter: “I hae
brocht ye to the ring, now see if ye can dance.” —William Wallace
