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Posts with tags: Celtic

4 Stereotypes about Scotsmen

17.06.2010, Author: highlander

Most people, when you ask them what do they know about Scotsmen, would answer that they imagine a tall, strong man with fiery red hair, dressed in kilt, standing on a cliff on a misty morning, playing his bagpipes, possibly with some sheep in the background. To be honest, the truth is not as romantic and in many cases completely different from what the world thinks of them. Here are some myths and stereotypes about Scottish people that are not entirely true:

Scotsmen are miserly and reserved because of the hardship their nation went through

Nothing less true. What many consider avarice  is actually being practical. Even though it is often said that expenses are being cut in various fields, in all actuality the nation is developing at least as well as the rest of Great Britain, in some areas even better. Aside from that, on a more personal level, Scotsmen are very open and don’t hesitate to help others in need. Many immigrants praise the way they were welcomed by the natives when they arrived to Scotland.

[credit: amandabhslater]

Scottish dishes are inedible

This is probably a myth that origins from the famous haggis, which, for many can be a bit overwhelming. But many well known, delicious dishes come from Scotland. Tattie scones, Dundee cake – which is known for its rich flavour – they all come from Scottish cuisine. Czytaj całość »

Scottish Clothing – Traditional Dress

26.04.2010, Author: highlander

Traditional Scottish clothing is characterised by the appearance of tartan or ‘plaid’ patterns in some form. Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Originally it was made from woven cloth, but now additional materials are also used.

Until the middle of the 19th century, highland tartans were associated with regions or districts, rather than by any specific clan or family. This was due to the fact that the designs were produced by local weavers, with a limited range of local dyes and for local tastes.

[photo by: Lee Carson]

Male Scottish dress includes a kilt or ‘trews’, sporrans and gillie brogues.

The kilt is a knee-length ‘skirt’ with pleats at the rear. It was first worn in the 16th century, by men and boys in the Scottish Highlands. It is typically made from one piece of fabric that is wrapped around and fastened at the side. Czytaj całość »

Celtic Jewellery – Buying Guide

22.03.2010, Author: highlander

Celtic jewellery is indeed still highly desired. Despite being age old designs, these patterns are still magnetic and highly alluring. The majestic beauty that the Celtic era signifies flows through these ornaments and it comes as no surprise then that many jewellery stores have flooded several other counters over and above the bridal jewellery section with these patterns. Jewellery UK designers have realised the potential of these designs and have begin to use silver, gold and platinum when creating these pieces. Right from corals and semi precious stones to even precious stones such as emerald and rubies, Celtic designs are making place for them all.

However, despite the high attraction of these jewellery pieces, not many of us know how to go about buying them. Keeping the advice listed below will go a long way in ensuring that one is able to pick the right kind of Celtic jewellery.

Everyday wear- Not all of us go to jewellery stores looking to buy grand and expensive stuff. Most of us are hoping to buy jewellery that we can wear casually too. Celtic designs can easily be incorporated into your daily wear jewellery, despite their grand designs. Most jewellery UK designers have understood this fact and designed, rings, pendants and even ear wear in materials like silver and other similar cheaper metals that can be worn almost everyday. Try and pick Celtic patterns that look complete even though they have been incorporated in smaller ornaments. Czytaj całość »

Most Famous Customs in Scotland

18.01.2010, Author: highlander
Firework Display - Hogmanay Street Party
Image by foxypar4 via Flickr

The Scots are a proud people with a rich heritage steeped in culture, custom and tradition. And many of the Scottish traditions have been carried on for centuries in Celtic cultures and by immigrants around the world.

Robert Burns
The Burns Night Supper is a dinner event commemorating Robert Burns, celebrated on the poet’s birthday on January 25. Friends and family will assemble for a traditional haggis meal, accompanied by a reading of his poems and speeches, followed by a group sing-a-long to the Robert Burns’ songs. Czytaj całość »

The power of kilts

7.11.2009, Author: highlander
Clan McKenzie tent at the 2005 Tacoma Highland...
Image via Wikipedia

Kilts, as we know them, were adapted from 16th century Highland garments that are believed to have been heavily influenced by the clothing worn by the Vikings and Normans that conquered the British Isles in the 8th Century. The word kilt is thought to come from the Danish word “kilte,” meaning “to tuck up” which is believed to have been derived from “kjalta,” meaning “to tuck up a garment or to secure hanging fabric with a belt” in Old Scandinavian and/or the Old Norse word “kjilt,” meaning “pleated or folded fabric layers.”

Whatever the case, kilts came to be a symbol of rebels and warriors and are still worn by Scottish Regiments of the British Army. The wearing of kilts among the Celtic/Gaelic people spread as their tribes migrated in all directions throughout Europe and around the world. Over the past 200 years, the kilt has become a potent symbol of Scottish pride taking hold in the traditions of the many cultures that experienced Celtic influence from the Dark Ages through present, particularly those wishing to demonstrate kinship and solidarity with the Highlanders of Scotland, whether or not they themselves were of Scottish ancestry. Czytaj całość »

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