|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
This section describes some of the activities and terminologyused in conjunction with a Scottish Highland Game or Festival.
For a listing of Scottish and Celtic events, see the
While the athletic and dancing competitions emphasize stamina,grace, style and physical ability, the Clan Related events aredesigned to provide non-competitors the opportunity to becomepart of the function. They celebrate our Scottish heritage andpride in our ancestors.
Clan Tents. The clan tents are places where the publiccan learn more about their Scottish ancestors, heritage andhistory. The tent also provides a convenient base whererefreshments, stories, shade and shelter are shared.
Kirkin of the Tartan. The Kirkin of the Tartan is areligious service where the tartan and its heritage are blessed.The first record of such a service is from 1941 in Washington,DC. Tartan banners for all Clans, Families and Districts presentare piped into the service site and blessed. The blessing praisesthe faith and fortitude of our Scottish ancestors and honors thetraditions being celebrated.
Tartan Parade. The Tartan Parade is typicallyintegrated in one of the official ceremonies associated with thefestival. In the parade, representatives from all clan and familyassociations march showing their tartan, banners and standards.
Clan War Cry Rally The war cry rally is typicallyassociated with the Tartan Parade. In the rally, the paradeparticipants yell the war cry associated with their clan to theaudience. Some clans will improvize by yelling humorousanecdotes.
Clan Rivalries. Scotland is famous for the rivalriesbetween the different Clans. In celebration of this rich andbloodied history, many clans re-enact these rivalries throughparticipation in shenanigans such as (stuffed) Sheep stealing,Campbell bashing, Whiskey-Napping and general hazing. It's all infun - with the participants typically sharing food and drinkafterwards.
Celtic athletic competitions comprise the followingcategories: the Scottish Highland Athletic Competitions (or HeavyEvents), team sports and traditional Celtic sporting events.
The Heavy Events test the athletes strength, skill andendurance. Events containing the word Toss generally referto competitions for height whereas events containing the word Throware for distance.
Turning The Caber. The caber is a 90 to 120 pound log,16' to 20' in length, that is tossed end-over-end. Once thenarrow end of the caber is vertivally balanced in the arms of theathlete, the athlete runs forward, stops and heaves the caberupward. The caber must spin in such a way that the large end hitsthe ground. The caber will then fall over with the narrow endfalling away from the athlete. A perfect throw will land at the12 o'clock position, straight away from the athelete thatreleased it.
Sheaf Toss. The sheaf toss involves hurling a bag ofhay straight up into the air over an adjustable crossbar with athree-tyned pitchfork. The bag of hay weighs 16 to 20 pounds formen and 10 to 12 pounds for women. The winner is the athlete whotosses the sheaf the highest.
Weight Throws. Men throw 28 and 56 pound weights fordistance in this event. For women, the weights are 14 and 28pounds. The athlete grasps the weight in one hand and beginsswinging the weight from side to side. Once a bit of momentum isachieved, the athlete spins the weight around, usually twice, toimpart additional momentum and releases the weight. The winner isthe athlete who throws the weight the farthest.
Weight Toss. Men will use a 56 pound weight, which isthrown for height, in this event. Women will use a 28 pointweight. The athlete stands beneath an adjustable height crossbar,grasps the weight with one hand and swings the weight back andforth between the legs. On the final swing, the athlete bringsthe weight up in a smooth arc and releases the weight so that itwill pass over the crossbar. The winner is the athlete who tossesthe weight the highest.
Stone Throw. A rounded stone, called a clachneart,weighing between 16 and 32 pounds for men and 8 to 12 pounds forwomen is thrown for distance in this event. Some athletes spin togain momentum before releasing the stone, in much the same way ashot put is tossed, while others impart momentum via a forwardglide. The winner is the athlete who throws the stone thefarthest. As the weight of the actual stones used is so variable,distances achieved vary from festival to festival.
Braemar Stone. This is similar to the Stone Throwexcept that the heavier stone must be "tossed" withoutthe glide or spin.
Hammer Throw. For this event, a metal ball is attachedto a wooden handle, usually rattan, to create a hammer. The totallength of the hammer must not exceed 4' 2" (50"). Formen, the "light" hammer weighs 16 pounds and the"heavy" hammer weighs 22 pounds. For women, the"light" hammer weighs 12 pounds and the"heavy" hammer weighs 16 pounds. The athlete spins thehammer in a circular motion building up momentum. When ready, thehammer is released. The winner is the athlete who throws thehammer the farthest.
Farmer's Walk. In the farmer's walk, the athlete picksup two weights, each weighing up to 150 pounds, and walks aroundseries of pylons. The winner is the athlete who walks thefarthest.
Team events.
Tug-of-war. The traditional tug-of-war with a Scottishflavor. All participants are kilted. Some games have teams fromthe various clans and families compete against one another.Others permit anyone to compete. the winner is the team thatpulls the opposition past the center line.
Seven-a-Side Rugby / Rugby 7's. Seven-a-Side Rugby,invented in the lowland Borders area of Scotland, is astreamlined version of the normal fifteen-a-side rugby played bythe rugby football unions. Since the field is of normal size, andthe playing rules remain the same, players must be in excellentshape to cover the field with half a regulation team.
Traditional Celtic Sports are those sporting events thatorginated centuries ago that are considered part of the"heavy" events.
Battle Axe Throw. The battle axes used in the moderncompetition are frequently replicas of the type issued to the78th Frasers Highlanders, a military regiment from the Highlandsof Scotland. The axe is light enough to be used with one hand andheavy enough to dent or puncture armour. In the competition, axesare thrown at increasing distances towards a target. The winneris the individual who's ax, thrown from the greatest distance,strikes blade first in target center.
Kilted Mile. The kilted mile is a scottish version of atraditional track event. In this race, the runner runs the entirerace while wearing a kilt. The weight of the kilt adds anadditional degree of challenge to this foot race. The winner isthe individual crossing the finish line first.
The Fell Race. The Fell race derives its name from thehills of Northern England where it was originally contested. Itis a non-traditional endourance test of both running andcross-country skills over rough terrain. This cross country racetypically features several natural and man-made barriers. Thesebarriers can range from hurdling obstacles 18" in height toclinmbing mountain peaks.
Kilted Golf. The Kilted Golf Tournament is a one daygolf outing with participants wearing a kilt. Standard golf rulesapply.
Fly Casting. Since fly fishing is traditionallyconsidered to have originated in Scotland, some events are nowsponsoring Fly Casting competitions. The contestant casts towardsa target with the winner being the individual who can cast intothe target area from the greatest distance.
Children's Games. Some events have competitions thatmock Scottish athletic events. Others include special events likesack races, egg-and-spoon races, pillow fights and lawn bowling.
Scottish dancing takes three basic forms. The first, folkdancing, involves both men and women and are frequently performedfor recreation.. The other two, the Highland dances and theNational dances, are traditionally individual events involvingcompetitions.
In judging the competition dances, the judges look for are theprecision and timing of the steps in conjunction with therequired arm and leg movements. The dance should appear relaxedand in control of all movemnts.
The Folk Dances.
Scottish Country Dancing. Scottish Country Dancingdeveloped in the Lowlands of Scotland and was first accompaniedby the fiddle. It is performed in rows with sets of partnersfacing each other and requires very intricate and precisefootwork. It is typically a demonstration and audienceparticipation event.
Gaelic Step. The Gaelic Step resembles Appalachian ClogDancing. A dancers arms are held at the side with heavy rhythmicstamping of the feet. The traditional Irish Step Dancing issomewhat similar.
The Highland Dances. Highland Dancing s thought to haveorginiated in the Highlands of Scotland around the 11th Century.The dances were originally performed by men and require a greatdeal of stamina.
In judging the competition dances, the judges look for are theprecision and timing of the steps in conjunction with therequired arm and leg movements. The dance should appear relaxedand in control of all movemnts.
Highland Fling. According to tradition, the HighlandFling was originally performed by the Highland warrier on histarge after battle. Accordingly, it is danced in one spot withouttravelling steps. The steps are simple but must be executedprecisely with positions being strongly held. This dance is oftenconsidered to be the greatest test for the Highland Dance.
Sword Dance. This dance was traditionally performed bythe Highland warrior on the eve of the battle using the warrior'ssword and scabbard. The sword and scabbard are crossed on theground to define the dancing spot. According to legend, thewarriors that were able to dance the Sword Dance without touchingthe sword with his feet would be successful in the approachingbattle.
Seann Truibhas. Seann triubhas, pronounced sheen trews,are the Gaelic words for "old trousers". This dancecelebrates the lifting of the Act of Proscription, the lawthat forbade the wearing of the kilt by the common highlander.The dance symbolizes the kicking off of the hated trousers.
The National Dances. Many of the National Dances wereoriginally choreographed for women. The focus is more on gracethan brute strength and stamina.
Strathspey and Highland Reel. The Strathspey andHighland Reel dance begins at the slow tempo of the strathspey.Later, the tempo changes to the fast tempo of the reel. The basicstep is the same step used in Scottish Country Dancing combinedwith figure eight movements. Dancers are judged individually inthis group dance.
Strathspey and Half Tulloch. The Strathspey and HalfTulloch is attributed to the movements of cold parishioners usedto stay warm. The parishioners were waiting waiting outside theChurch one cold morning for a rather tardy preacher. Dancers arejudged individually in this group dance.
Sailor's Hornpipe. Of Celtic origin, the Sailor'sHornpipe is a traditional solo dance known throughout to theBritish Isles. The name is derived from and English windinstrument made from an ox horn with a costume based on thehistorical British seaman. The dance depicts shipboard activitiessuch as rope hauling, climbing, looking to the sea and being abit tipsy.
Irish Jig. The Irish Jig, while not a traditional Irishjig, is danced with controlled abandon. If it's danced by afemale, the dance is supposed to represent an angry Irishwasherwoman who's husband has been delayed at the local pub. Ifit's danced by males, it's the story of Paddy's Leather Breeches,which have shrunk because of a careless Irish washerwoman.
Scottish National Dances. The National Dances aresedate with elegant movements. Traditionally, they were createdsolely to be danced by women. Many steps are taken from fromclassical ballet. The Scottish Lilt is a dance that isperformed in a shortened version of the traditional 17th centurywomen's attire (the arisaid over a white dress). FloraMacdonald's Fancy honors the national heroine who helped hideCharles Edward Stuart after the Battle of Culloden in 1746. The ScotchMeasure is a graceful variation of the Fling. It can bedanced solo or in pairs. The Earl of Erroll uses balletsteps to create a flowing movement with complicatd footwork.
Piping. Piping competition is a solo event with piperscompeting at six skill levels. The judging is based on tuning,timing (including tempo and breaks between tunes), execution andexpression. Competitions fall into two categories: the MSR(marches, strathspeys and reels) events and the piobaireachd(classical music for the pipes). Some functions also offercompetition in the jig and hornpipe categories.
Drumming. Drumming competition is a solo event withdrummers competing at five skill levels. The judging is based onroll, tone, tempo, execution, rhythm/expansion, quality/varietyand blend.
Drum Major. A Drum Major competition is a solo eventfor the Drum Major. Since the drum major sets the tempo for bandthrough swinging of mace (staff), this competition is used tohelp create consistency between drum majors. The drum major mustcompete in full dress and is judged on that dress, theirdeportment or general conduct and their flourish (manipulation ofthe mace).
Drum Corps. TBS
Pipe Band. A Pipe Band competition is a band eventwhere a specified minimum number of pipers and drummers arerequired. Each band must play a medley of tunes where the typesof tunes required will depend on the caliber or grade of the pipeband. In addition, the higher the level of competition, thelonger the band will play. Three judges will determine each bandsstanding within the competition. The judges evaluate a number ofareas including how well the tunes selected were played versushow difficult the tunes are to play, the quality of tuning forthe pipes at the beginning and end of the set, and the musicalnature of the selected tunes (eg do the selected tunes floweasily from one to the next).
Massed Band. The Massed Band ceremony is when allparticpating pipe bands parade together playing a common medleyof pipe tunes. Traditionally, the massed band will perform simplemaneuvers on the parade field. The medley consists of popularbagpipe tunes.
Celtic Harp (Clarsach). In the Highlands, the harp, orclarsach, accompanied the clan chiefs into battle until thebagpipes took over this roll in the 16th century. The clan harperwould perform for both happy and sad occasions. TBS
Scottish Fiddle. A Scottish fidle competition consistsof the following pieces: Air, March, Strathspey and Reel. TBS
Scottish Folk Music. TBS
Over the years, many uniquely Scottish events have evolved andbecome regular features at Games and Festivals across NorthAmerica. Some involve actual competitions while others offer avariety style show with an in-house audience.
Sheep Dog Trials. Sheep Dog Trials are really acompetition examining a dog's working ability as each dog workssheep or other livestock in a prescribed course. The dogs must becontrolled only by the whistle tones from its master. The winneris the dog with the best time in in successfully driving thesheep through the course.
Scottish/Celtic Canine and Feline Breeds. These dog andcat shows feature competitions between Scottish/Celtic breeds,not just the commonly seen border collies. Some of the caninecompetitions feature exhibitions where dogs are competing in AKCsanctioned events.
Scottish Animals. Some functions make arrangements withnearby ranchers and farmers to bring Scottish breed livestock forexhibition. This includes cattle (the Scottish Highland Steer orRed Angus, the Belted Galloway), horses (the Clydesdales) andsheep (Jacobs Sheep). Often, these animals are part of a pettingzoo for children.
Spinning and Weaving. Many of the larger functions nowfeature a spinning and weaving demonstration where wool is turnedinto yarn and then woven into cloth. Often, a lecture is given tothe audience as part of the demonstration.
Ceilidh. The Ceilidh is a variety show that featuresexamples of traditional music and dance. Typically, it featuresfolk music, pipe music, fiddling, country dancing and highlanddancing. Some are structured and feature professionalentertainers. There is usually a supplimentary charge foradmisison to this event.
Tattoo. The Tattoo is very similar to the Ceilidhexcept that the performers are typically part of a militaryregiment. In addition to the music and dancing, athletic abilityand endurance are featured. There is usually a supplimentarycharge for admisison to this event.
Story Telling. Story Telling is a relatively newactivity for most events. Story tellers relay the almost-lostoral history of the Celtic lands and its peoples. Typically, thisactivity is associated with an entertainment program forchildren.
Tartan Ball. The Tartan Ball is a formal event whereformal Highland Dress is often required. Scottish Country Dancingis featured to the accompaniment of live Scottish music.
Whiskey Tasting. Whiskey Tasting is just as the nameimplies - adult patrons are able to sample different ScotchWhiskeys. This often includes both the single malts and the morecommon blends. There may be a supplimentary charge forparticipation in this event.
Celtic Art. Some events provide space to Celtic artiststo show their work. This can include items paintings,photography, jewelry, and sculpture. Often, these works are forsale.
Living History. The Living History exhibition is are-enactment of life from a specific period of Celtic history.The group builds an encampment based on available materials forthe specified period and demonstates this lifestyle to the eventvisitor. Re-enactment ranges from a simple camp throughorchestrated manuevers.
Tossing The Wellie. According to non-verifiabletradition, this competition arose as the result of men cominghome tracking mud into the house. In retaliation, women threwboots at the men. The modern competition is one for distancewhere a "Wellington" (boot) is thrown.
The Haggis Hurl. Another non-verifiable tradistion isassociated with the haggis hurl. This tradition tells of womentossing lunch (a haggis) across a stream to their husbands. Inthe moden version, a "haggis" (a soft two pound bagthat may, or may not, be real) is tossed for distance andaccuracy from atop a barrel or platform. At some festivals, thistypically women only event features competitions between teamsfrom the various clans and families.
Bonnie Knees Contest. Judges, typically female andblindfolded at some events, are asked to rate the portion of themale leg that is exposed between the hose and the bottom edge ofthe kilt. Some functions have specialized awards for"Boniest" and "Most Dimpled" knees.
For more detail on many of these activities, see TheScottish Highland Games in America by Emily Ann Donaldson,Pelican Publishing Company, Gretna, Louisiana, 1986, ISBN0-88289-474-9.
For a list of the Highland Athletics organizations in yourarea, see the
|
Send mail to
with questions or comments about this web site.