The customs and traditions of Scotland are among the most striking and indicative phenomena in the world. The population of this country sacredly honors its history and culture, ancient rites and holidays. In order to understand the superstition and customs of the Scots, one should turn to their history.
Country and Population
Scotland (Scotland) is located in the northern part of the island of Great Britain and is part of the United Kingdom. More than half of the territory is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, in the east it is washed by the North Sea, in the south is England and the Irish Sea.
In the direction from north to south along the entire length of Scotland are the Grampian mountains, there are many rivers and lakes in the country, including the famous Loch Ness and Loch Lomond. Due to its rich nature, the country is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and the number of tourists arriving here is steadily growing every year.
A population of 5 million people has been sacredly honoring the ancient traditions and customs of Scotland for many centuries, unlike many other nations, which are gradually losing their identity.
Legends and Symbols
The symbol of the country is the thistle flower and the motto “No one can do me harm with impunity” (Nemo me impune lacessit), which preaches a certain insult to everyone and a wary attitude. An ancient legend tells that during the defense of the kingdom from the invasion of the Danish army, thickets of burning thistle helped to avoid an enemy night attack. Having stepped on thorns, the soldiers screamed from a distance, and this is how they found themselves. The outcome of the battle was to the advantage of the Scots.
Such an emblem is also present on the national flag, demonstrating to all the severity and obstinacy of a Scottish character. The desire in any situation to defend their identity, culture and traditions is inherent in these people.
In Scotland, the entire population has long been divided into clans - groups of families that have a common ancestor, who share the same surname. For example, Mac Donald means "son of Donald", etc. The clan system has existed for several centuries and is preserved today as a tribute to history.
Any Scot living in another country recalls the moorlands of his homeland, the ruins of ancient castles, the worn-out great-grandfather's kilt and the mournful melody of the piproch bagpipes.
Kilt and Tartan
The most famous Scottish clothing tradition in the world, strongly associated with historical events, is the wearing of a half-woolen plaid skirt by the male population. Kilt is not just a cut of matter with a certain pattern of colored stripes intersecting at different angles, but indicates a person’s belonging to a particular clan. Its coloring should correspond to tartan.
The most famous highland of Scotland for its history is Highland, where each clan had an established kilt color, which consisted of tartan - a long cut (13 m) of woolen material. The first mention of such clothing was recorded only in 1471, it was also noted there that it was worn exclusively by highlanders (highlanders). A large warm homespun blanket was convenient for protection from cold and wind: during the day a man wrapped it around his body, and at night used it as a bed.
The small kilt was introduced as clothing in the early 18th century. and gained popularity during the Jacobite rebellion, which was crushed in 1746 at the Battle of Kulloden. After the bloody events, the English king forbade the Scots to wear tartan fabrics for 36 years, for which the Scots themselves even forgot their drawings. And only in 1782, George IV restored the permission to wear a kilt, since then it is not only clothes, but also the pride of every man who honors the history and traditions of Scotland.
National clothes
Until now, on any occasion, not only the inhabitants of the country, but also those who live in any country in the world and consider themselves a true Scotsman, always put on their national clothes. A full set of costume is a strong and centuries-old tradition of Scotland.
In addition to tartan, the costume also includes other national items of clothing:
- tweed jacket
- long stockings
- leather sporran - a round wallet hanging in front on a narrow strap that covers the hips;
- Scottish beret - a hat made of woolen fabric, decorated on top with a pompom and feather;
- An important male detail of the costume is a knife with an engraving of a thistle, which true highlanders wear in the right stocking.
Scottish music
The famous instrument, which was banned by the English king after the Jacobite revolt, is the bagpipe. His music always sweetens the ears of the Scots during national holidays and clan gatherings. Bagpipes have always taken part in military campaigns and companies of the Scots, and then the British Army.
This is the main traditional wind instrument, made in the form of a bag of animal skin (sheep, goats, etc.), on which a tube for filling with air is sewn on top. From the bottom, 1-3 bourdon tubes are sewn to a leather wineskin, with the help of which the sound is polyphonic.
The Scottish bagpipe bagpipe is one of the most popular and recognizable in the world. It is a cultural affiliation of the country and a national symbol, without which no holiday in the country passes.
The unofficial hymn "Scotland the Brave", performed in the bagpipe, was first sounded in 1815 to raise patriotism and the spirit of warriors at the Battle of Waterloo (Belgium).
Food and drink
The most famous Scottish national dish is Haggis, made from minced lamb giblets, onions, oat flakes, lard and spices, which are previously boiled or smoked in the ram’s stomach. The food is very satisfying, but unusual for ordinary people. Haggis is usually eaten with mashed potatoes or turnips.
It’s unlikely that it will be possible to briefly talk about the culinary traditions of Scotland, so just list the most popular dishes:
- thick soup "Cocci-Liki" (Cock-a-leekie) - prepared from vegetables and herbs (everything that grows in the garden) and prunes;
- Cullen-skink soup - from raw or smoked haddock fish;
- nips and tattis - baked potatoes and rutabaga, served in the form of vegetable stew or mashed potatoes;
- Scotch pie pie (diameter 10-15 cm) - prepared with meat filling (in the form of minced meat or goulash) and ale sauce;
- Black pudding - a traditional breakfast made from lard, cereals, spices and blood, which are baked in a natural shell;
- orange soda Irn Bru, whose popularity in Scotland is much higher than Coca-Cola or Pepsi.
A symbol of Scotland, popular for several centuries now, is Scotch Whiskey, which was first mentioned in chronicles of the early 17th century. Its name comes from the Gaelic word usquebaugh, which means "water of life." He was taxed more than once, banned, but still produced. Now it is recognized as an official drink, and the law establishes 5 recipes for making Scotch whiskey: Single Malt; Grain (Single Grain); blended or mixed (Blended), etc.
Fire and lighting bonfires
The rite of ignition of fire was preserved in Scotland from the ancient Celts, who were firmly convinced that on June 24, all fairies, forest spirits and witches arrange their gatherings on earth.
The most important holiday, during which long since bonfires were burned - the day of the summer solstice or St. John, is celebrated on June 24. According to the Celts, fire was a force that could destroy all evil, had the properties of purification and disinfection. Bonfires on the day of St. John (John), had a beneficial effect on the growth of planted plants, on the well-being of people and pets. The winter solstice day, December 21, was celebrated similarly.
Such ritual bonfires were lit all over Scotland and Great Britain in the squares of villages and cities. In 1581, this rite was banned due to the high fire hazard, however, residents still continued to celebrate, contrary to all prohibitions.
These days it was also customary to decorate houses, churches with flowers, tree branches and bunches of plants. On the tables in front of each house were put out treats for neighbors.
New Year traditions
The rite of celebration of the New Year (Hogman) has been operating in Scotland for more than one century. He is welcomed by the whole family, sitting at the fireplace. By tradition, when the clock starts to beat, the owner opens the back door of the house to release the Old Year. And at the last battle of the clock, you must quickly open the front door to meet the New.
Another Scottish tradition is called First Footing (first leg). All family members expect it to be completed after midnight. The first guest who knocks on the door must be a brunette, otherwise misfortune will come into the house (in the case of a woman or a blond). The messenger usually brings not only wishes for good and well-being, but also goodies, salt or money.
Interestingly, according to established tradition, the guest must necessarily kiss the girl who opens the door for him. Therefore, for a laugh, many Scots arrange a surprise for their “first guest” in the form of an old woman, whom he will have to kiss.
New Year's Scottish dishes: boiled or baked goose, oat cakes, pastry apples, pudding, whiskey and punch. In the center of the table should be a cake with a symbol of heather, a cross, mountains and hands crossed over the sea. All night on New Year's Eve, the house must necessarily light up.
The main New Year's tradition is a torchlight procession, or the Feast of Fire, which symbolizes the burning of all the unpleasant and evil accumulated over the past 12 months. Torches, burning barrels and bonfires should clear the way for everything pure and bright that will happen in the coming new year.
Scottish wedding
The most beautiful and interesting family tradition and holiday in Scotland is a wedding, which has original features and a sequence of rituals. The very first step that the Scottish groom takes is to give his bride a brooch Luchen booth, which in the future will bring happiness, health and good fortune not only to her, but also to future children. Another traditional gift is a silver spoon as a symbol of well-being.
All guests and foreigners are always delighted with the national suit of the groom, consisting of a white shirt, jacket, golf and kilt, as well as a bag of deer fur hanging from above. The color of the skirt should indicate the origin and clan of the groom.
At the wedding, all the men who put on the kilt perform a frantic dance with swords, for the performance of which sometimes sometimes professional dancers are sometimes invited.
During the ceremony, accompanied by the sounds of bagpipes and drums, the groom covers the bride’s shoulders with a tartan scarf and stabs with silver pins, and for good luck gives a horseshoe.
Unusual traditions of Scotland
One of the original attractions of this country is the “coin trees” growing in the Peak District Forest. They are interesting in that their entire trunk is littered with driven metal money. Superstitious people did this in ancient times, when it was customary to bring various values to the gods. According to some reports, this tradition originated in the 14th century. It is precisely this age that ancient florins were discovered on trees.
The tradition of driving coins into the bark of trees has remained and now, some local residents specially come here to ask in this way to fulfill their desires from the spirits.
It is difficult to describe absolutely all the customs and traditions of Scotland briefly, but the most original are still interesting not only for tourists coming here, the number of which is increasing annually, but also for the residents of this beautiful country.