'Twas "at Loon" that I first made contact with my own clan, Clan Macpherson -- and where my son and I ordered our first kilts.
Anther thing I miss dearly is the (mostly) annual Kirkin' O' the Tartans, which is sponsored by my wife's clan, Clan Donald, and, is held in Boston's Old North Church (of "One if by sea" lantern fame...)
On the appointed Sunday, we clansmen would gather -- in our finest Highland Attire, of course -- somewhere down by the waterfront. Then -- led by Pipers & Drummers -- we would wend our way through back alleys and byways over to the Old Kirk.
I was always astonished at how, attracted by the skirl of the pipes, large, spontaneous, exuberant crowds of Boston residents would gather along our route and, with hearty applause, cheer us on our way!
At least one member of each clan present would bear a tartan scarf in his Clan's historic tartan, and, at the appointed time, would present it to the presiding Minister at the Pulpit. (Nowadays, at some of the larger Kirkin's a rack is placed beside the altar, and the tartans are displayed thereupon -- or the proud tartan banners of the clans represented are arrayed across the front of the kirk...)
In our Old North Church services, the Minister would drape the scarves across his arms, hold them up for all to view, and pray a prayer (paraphrased) something like this:
"O, Laird, we ask Thee to behold these divers cloths and to please accept them -- and these Folk who honor and wear them -- into Your Royal service. We pray that these Folk who wear these cloths be fathful in honor, obedience and fealty to Thee -- and that Ye bless them, and bless us all -- and bless us kindly..." Amen.
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Of course, following the service, the congregation always broke up into groups -- some by clan, and some "mixed" -- to go out for a bit of luncheon -- including [or not] a wee taste of "uisgea beatha" ("Water of life")
All in all, most memorable and stirring experiences!
That is a great account.
I lucked out with my wife - she had no problem with me and all the groomsmen wearing kilts at our wedding.
It was quite a sight, as they were diverse clans.
Thanks for the ping!! It was beautiful to read, except far too short. I was so engrossed in every detail, I would have read several more pp.
I lived in the Boston area upwards of 20 yrs, and never heard of the Kirkin’ of the Tartan. I had to move to a southeastern town to not only learn about it, but to experience it firsthand. Had I known about your procession, I’d have taken the T at Oak Grove, ridden down to North Station, and watched the grand finale.