National Tartan Day scottish society of FXBG celebrates

By wayne amann

Scottish Declaration of Independence

The day was signed in 1320, which gave them the right to form their military.

This national holiday stemmed from Canada in the mid-1930s. At the time, Canada only constituted 15% of Scottish people. On this day, people of Scottish heritage in different countries come together to celebrate their traditions and mark the day when Scotland gained independence. Besides the U.S., other countries that commemorate this holiday are Australia, Canada, Scotland, and Argentina.

This day is very important in the United States because theDeclaration of Independence in America was modeled after the Declaration of Arbroath Plus, around half of those who signed the Declaration of Independence, and nine governors elected to form the new United States, were of Scottish descent

You don't have to be Scottish to observe this day in various ways...you can: Be part of a parade

On this national day, many parades are organized in different cities. The parades usually highlight different Scottish traditions. People who attend are usually dressed in kilts and are accompanied by bands using drums and bagpipes to provide an experience similar to being in the Scottish Highlands.

Wear a kilt and sporran

Several shops sell traditional Scottish attire as the celebration approaches. Most people will have a kilt and sporran during this observance. The sporran is a traditional purse that complements the kilt. Since the kilt does not have pockets, the sporran helps you safely carry your phone and wallet in the parade.

Cook a traditional Scottish meal

There are many dishes, but the most common is black pudding and Haggis. Haggis is made of various sheep organs such as the heart, liver and lungs. The dish is then boiled in oatmeal, suet, and seasoning. Black pudding is also different because it's made of dried pig's blood, oatmeal and suet.

Did you know...?

The tartan is a plaid fabric or woolen cloth, checkered or crossbarred with narrow bands of various colors, much worn in the Highlands of Scotland.

The Scottish created the popular New Year's Eve song, "Auld Lang Syne." It's a Scottish folklore tune written by Robert Burns, the renowned Scottish poet.

Most people believe bagpipes originated in Scotland, this is not true. The bagpipes were musical instruments invented in ancient Egypt and the Middle East.

The Scottish people have still embraced their ancient language, Gaelic, which is still spoken in Scotland alongside English, and taught in several schools.

The national animal of Scotland is the Unicorn Scotland selected the unicorn because it represents courage, purity, strength and unity. The Scottish are also known for their belief in myths.

To learn more about Scottish culture and history join the Scottish Society of Fredericksburg's observance of National Tartan Day!

Wayne Amann, Scottish Society of Fredericksburg Publicity Committee

Post on social media

Perhaps the easiest way to celebrate this holiday is to post photos and videos of yourself with a kilt and sporran, or when eating a Scottish meal on social media. When posting these images, use the hashtag #NationalTartanDay.

Scottish Society of Fredericksburg National Tartan Day Celebration front of Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline St , April 1, 11 am to 3 pm