Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans

(Pictured) Jefferson Pipe Band featured in Scottish celebration of the Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans.

RED BLUFF — On Sunday, the Jefferson Pipe Band will perform Celtic bagpipe and drum music at the Red Bluff Presbyterian Church, 838 Jefferson St.
An 11 a.m. Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans worship service will honor the Scottish faith traditions practiced by the Presbyterian Church.
A processional will open the service, led by the church Sexton carrying the Beadle (Bible), followed by Banners of Faith, the Jefferson Pipe Band featuring bagpipers and drummers, the Presbyterian Church choir, Pastor Jack Eisel and church lay readers. Scottish pipe hymns will be featured throughout the service, as well as blessing of individuals and families of Scottish descent. Traditional Celtic pipe hymns and melodies will continue after the service during a coffee hour featuring traditional Scottish shortbread, fruits, coffee and punch.
The Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans custom began in response to English attempt to extinguish Scottish culture. In 1746, a Parliamentary Act sought to deny the Scottish people the right to wear the kilt, plaid or any tartan garment. Bagpipes, as well, were banned and defined as a weapon in the continued effort to destroy highland clan identity. Arrest, imprisonment or banishment to the colonies was the price paid for almost 40 years, to those disobeying the law in the highlands. During this time the women of the highland clans, whose men were far from home, would take a small piece of their tartan to the Kirk (church) to be secretly blessed and to pray for Heaven’s protection for their clan and its members. Thus came the Scottish celebration known as the Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans.
This historically based ceremony came to fruition in the US when Dr. Peter Marshall, an emigrant from Coatdyke, Scotland, held the first Kirkin’ in 1941 at the New York Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C.
For more information about the Kirkin’ O’ the Tartans, contact the Red Bluff Presbyterian Church at 527-0372.