Saturday, August 16, 2014

All Things Scotland...(or a bunch anyway!)

“Of all the small nations of this earth, perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind.” 
 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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

~~~~~~~~Guid cheerio the now and see ye efter!~~~~~~~~~

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