CELTIC CULTURE
Kilts
The original kilts were large blankets, that were pleated around the waist and
held in place by a large, wide belt. The extra material is gathered and pinned
to the left shoulder of the shirt or coat with a brooch.The appropriate length
of the kilt should be no shorter than an inch above the middle of the knee cap,
and no longer than the middle of the knee cap. The kilt pin does not get pinned
through both layers of the apron. Doing so will spoil the way the kilt hangs.
The sporran is a pouch that serves as a pocket. It is worn in the front of the
kilt, about a hands width below the belt.
The sgain dubh (skeen due-a small knife) is worn on the right leg. The handle
protudes above the stocking and is held in place by a garter band. It is worn
there now to show friendliness, and to also show how dangerous the person is in
a kneeling position. In the past it was hidden somewhere on the body.
The Plaid and Tartan
The Plaid is a shawl like garment of any woven checked pattern. It is worn over the shoulder, but is not the
same as a Tartan.
The Tartan has a distinct checkered pattern that is worked out
in a woven material.
Each pattern is called a "sett". There are over 2,200 different recognizable, authentic Tartans.
Shown below are a few differnt tartan patterns. The colors in the ancient were producted up until 1860, using
natural dyes. After 1860 the modern was developed by using aniline dyes. The dress tartan is mainly woren for formal occasions, and the background color is usually white. The muted was recently developed using softer
shades of the modern tartan colors. The hunting tartan is used for sport and everyday wear. Dark colors are
used so that the wearer blends in with their surroundings. The colors in the weathered were made to look very faded, as if it has been exposed to the sun and rain for a long period of time.
|  |  |
 |  |
 |
| Ancient | Modern | Dress | Muted |
Hunting | Weathered |
|---|
Bonnets
There are a couple different kinds of bonnets. The Balmoral is the old broad
bonnet worn for centuries by both the Lowlanders and the Highlanders. It was
either black, blue or fawn in color, and could be worn with or without a diced
band. It could also be decorted with flowing ribbons or a knotted bow.
The Glengarry was either dark blue or black. It is worn with loose flowing
ribbons and could also be worn with or without a diced band.
The Tartan Balmorals and the Tartan Bow Ties are never to be worn with a kilt.
Loose flowing ribbons are never suppose to trail behind a person. Eagle feathers
are not to be worn on the bonnet also. Wearing feathers is strickly limited to
those who have the right to wear them.
Haggis
Haggis is part of a meal served in celebration of Robert Burns birth (Scotlands
greatest poet). The meal consists of Cock-o-L, Haggis with potatoes and turnips,
Dunlap Cheese, Tispy Lard and Roastit Beef. Burns' poem 'Ode to a Haggi' is read
during the meal.
Traditional Haggis
1 sheep's stomach bag
2 lbs. dry oatmeal
1 lb suet
1lb. lamb's liver
2 1/2 c. stock
1 large chopped onion
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, Jamaica pepper and salt
Boil liver and parboil the onions. Lightly brown the oatmeal. Mix all ingredients
together. Fill the stomach bag with the mixture pressing on it to remove all air,
than sew it up securely. Prick the haggis in several places so that it does not
burst. Place haggis in boiling water and boil slowly for 4-5 hours. Serves about 12.
Story Telling
Story telling was significant on certain ceremonial occasions, night vigils at
holy well, after important meetings, at religious services held in private homes,
christenings, and wakes. Stories were also told around a fire and were a regular
activity of the winter season. Some of the stories could be traced back as far
as several generations, and in some rare cases as far back as the early eighteenth
century. The stories that were told have a lot in common with the stories from
medieval manuscripts that are the pride and glory of literature. Pride of place
was given to hero and wonder tales.
It was considered bad luck to tell a hero tale during the daytime. Also no man
would tell a story in the presence of his father or older brother, and it was not
proper for a women to tell traditional heros stories. Only on special occasions
could a sacred story be told during the summer or in the daylight.
Traditional tales were not only told by the peasentry, but they were also a
significant part of the aristocratic culture of the Celts. The skill of the
storyteller showed in his abilities to highten interest in the story and to
impress the listeners, while setting up the next step in the story.
Art
The Celts were among the first to develope abstract art. Their character and
beliefs are depicted in the work they do. No mater how detailed the design is,
most generally there is only one line that creats the knot work. They created
artifacts and decorated it with difficult to follow shapes and symbols. Evidence
of their knot work can be found through out their homes. The designs were worked
into the doorways to prevent spirits with ill purposes from entering. Also
engravings of animals were interlaced into all parts of a Warriors weapon, to show
how fierce he was. It was believed that the animal would show itself in time of a
battle. The northern countries were noted for their use of color and detailed
decorations, which they displaied on their horses and chariots. The roebuck and
the thicket depicts life. The thicket represents life, which is full of shadowy
and unclear answers and visions. It also represents difficult pathways and roads
of experience. There is only one path in life that will give true happiness and
satisfaction. Celtic knot work reflects their imagination and visual skills as
proficent craftmen
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