Kirkin' o' the Tartans

SHANO's annual Kirkin' of the Tartans is one of the organization's oldest traditions.

Customarily held on the second Sunday in November, it is a church (kirk) service where, at a designated time in the service, individuals present tartans in honor or in memory of someone or something for blessing.

Legend has it that the practice of smuggling bits of tartan to the local kirk for blessing dates back to the 1745 Act of Proscription, when the English crown abolished the wearing of tartans by the subjugated Scots.

The Kirkin' of the Tartans as it is now known and practiced traces its beginnings to a more contemporary time. During World War II, the Scottish-born Presbyterian Peter Marshall, then the Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, recreated the practice of the Kirkin' of the Tartans in the United States as a way of stimulating national pride amount Scottish-Americans to encourage them to enlist to fight for Great Britain.

While originally observed in Presbyterian churches, kirkin's are now held throughout the world in churches of many different denominations.

This year's date and location is yet to be determined.

Bring your favorite or family tartan to present in memory of, or in honor of, a special person or group during this special church service.

After the service enjoy refreshments and Scottish entertainment.

There is no charge for this event. For more information contact Kirkin@scottishheritageohio.com.