Facts About Scotland: Origins of the Ceilidh

By Nujma Bond

Gaelic communities in the Scottish Highlands and Ireland are said to be the key areas where the idea of a ceilidh began. In simple terms, the word described community gatherings for various events like weddings and festivals. They are often places where traditional music, stories, singing, and dancing take place.

The actual word "ceilidh" is from the Scottish Gaelic word cèilidh, which means "visit" or "social gathering".

Read more about the history and origins of the Ceilidh here, from a website belonging to The Jiggers… a Scottish Ceilidh band!