Scottish for the Everyday People

[Jann Muir ~ Guardian Clann Muir]

NOTE: I found this on a 20 year olds blog on an obscure site.
I found it very endearing. The author is 'Jen' and for a 20 year old,
I am impressed with her work.

Scottish for the Everyday People
By Jen

Identity and heritage is an important part of most people's lives. Knowing who they are and where they come from plays a major role in their lives. Each different country and culture have symbols and traditions that given a unique identity to who they are as a people. The past of the culture and country also plays a huge part in who people are in general. To better understand a group of people one must learn about their past and heritage, and in doing so they will get a better idea of what truly makes that people who they are.

There are two very different views on each culture, the "native" people of the country, and those that have descended and moved on in the world. The Scottish people live in the modern world, but they embrace both their past and heritage in their lives. People of Scottish descent, particullarly Scottish-Americans often view Scot as the classic or Hollywood Highland Scotsman wearing a kilt and playing bagpipes. While these two particular characteristics are very much a part of the Scottish people, you wouldn't see a modern Scot wearing a kilt unless there was a ceremony or festival of some sort.

Scotland is a country full of history and pride. The people have struggled to keep their independence from the time when the first inhabitants appeared up until more recent times. They have fought for what they believed to be right and true, while maintaining their traditions and identity through the ages.

The Scottish people are divided into groups or clans. These clans are like a larger family unit that once played one of the most important roles in their lives. The clan was lead by the laird or cheif, who was responsible for the decision making and well being of the other clan members. Next comes the tanist, who is elected by the chief as successor and a tanistry is a system of succession. Following the tanist in the hierarchy of the clan is the commander or military leader. Then come the chieftains within the clan, which are followed by the “gentlemen,” blood relations of the chief. Last, but certainly not least, are the clansmen who are equals and yet would follow their chief to death in wartime. While the clans still exist in modern Scotland today, they have faded in thier prominence in the daily lives of the people.

The Scottish clans originated from the Celtic culture that emigrated there from Ireland and have survived throughout the history of the country, still playing a major role in the lives of the people. The Scottish clans have given the people a strong system of morals and strength that is uncommon in the world. They unite to help one another and make sure that each member of their clan is taken care of properly. It is a strong family and government-like system that has lasted through the ages and has greatly influenced the people.

The influence of the Scottish clan system can be seen throughout the history of the people. From the beginning of the country’s history to present day Scotland, the Scottish clan is very much a part of the people’s lives. Though originally being only found in the Highlands, as the years went by the clan system eventually spread throughout the country. Being a member of a clan gives the people identity and allows them to be a part of something more than themselves.

Clans are just one aspect of the Scottish culture that identifies the people. Besides that there is the distinct Scottish brogue and the Gaelic culture that has survived the ages in one form or another. The Gaelic culture was a direct contrast to that of the English and European cultures. In Gaelic, clan means “child” or more commonly accepted, “family.” There are many aspects of the Gaelic culture that can still be seen in the Scottish culture today.

Many of the Celtic and tribal influences can be seen in the Scottish culture. The mythical and legendary aspects of the culture have played a major role in the Scottish culture. They are very similar due to the fact that the Scottish culture influence from the Irish or Celtic. With the Irish Celts came the legends and myths, that over time developed and grew into what they are today in Scotland. From fairies and witchcraft to other strange and magical things, the myths and story became a part of the culture.

To be a Scottish person is to be in touch with your history and heritage. Not only by remembering what has happened in the past, but by ensuring that the past and history is continued by passing knowledge from one generation to the next. Being Scottish is being in touch with your heritage and culture in a way that many people aren’t today. Scottish clans have passed down their history from one generation to the next through story telling. Some clans have designated “story tellers,” who tell stories of the clan’s past to younger generations in hopes to pass on the knowledge. This is not a new practice, but one that has survived the generations and has reappeared in the culture.

The people of Scotland have fought amongst themselves as well as others trying to change them. They have lasted the centuries and all the while have kept their identity intact. The Romans couldn’t break them and neither could the British. In the past many have tried to strip them of their identity and pride. Many tried to change the role the clans played in the lives of the people, but they failed. The Scottish people have held onto who they are and what makes them unique. They have not lost sight of what matters to them and what makes them as they are. They have held true to their ideals for the most part and have strived to keep the past alive as they move on to the future.

What it means to be Scottish is having pride in who you are and where you come from; to make the most of what life has given you and to live life to the fullest. Never giving up and never giving in has always been one of the keystones in this culture. Being Scottish is being a member of a clan and taking part in the daily activities and responsibilities with whichever role you fall under. A true Scot embraces the Gaelic culture and listens intently to the stories and tales of the past; believing in the mythical and legendary, while knowing what is right and true. Being a Scot means being a part of your past, while looking towards a brighter future. In the truest of meanings, in the simplest of terms, being Scottish means breathing in deeply the scent of heather blowing in the brisk Highland breeze with bagpipes flaring, while wearing a kilt and brandishing a claymore, and doing it all proudly. While all of these things are acknowledged and accepted by the Scots, they do live in the modern world, while holding onto their past and embracing it.

[John L. Moore Sr ESQ]

AMEN