Origins of Tartan Day in Canada
By Nujma Bond
Scottish or not, many people understand that in modern times the meaning of tartans lies in family history – even if at one time it was the dress of warriors. Less commonly known is the origin of Tartan Day in Canada, which is when some of the millions of Canadians with Scottish roots and their supporters, celebrate history, culture, and stories of success.
Nova Scotia Tartan (Credit: Federation for Scottish Culture in Nova Scotia)
It means paying homage to people like a Scottish explorer in Canada, Sir Alexander Mackenzie, or remembering the history of why parts of Canada were named Calgary or Banff, respectively because of a Scottish beach and a town in Aberdeenshire. It means unique Scottish recipes, drinks, shortbread and cheese. And it even means wearing Scottish clothing in some visible way, including at work.
Of course, it means bagpipes. The day is now officially marked annually in Ottawa on Parliament Hill with pipe bands, Highland dancing, and tartan-clad revelers. But the idea itself came from the Federation of Scottish Clans in Nova Scotia (now known as the Federation for Scottish Culture in Nova Scotia) exactly forty years ago, in 1986. Perhaps it’s no surprise, having been the first Canadian province to establish an official tartan.
And while Tartan Day is focused on fun, its deeper meaning lies in the birth of Scotland as an independent nation. The Declaration of Arbroath on April 6, 1320, marked the beginning of a new chapter for Scotland as a sovereign entity with the right to defend its borders.
In Scotland, similar displays of celebration and pride take place on April 6 – and the initiative has grown steadily over the years, with events in New Zealand, Australia and the United States, among others.
This year in Ottawa, music and celebrations organized by the Sons of Scotland will take place on Parliament Hill on Sunday, April 12, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Be sure to stop by, admission is free!
The SSO will also put on its Tartan Day Trivia event Saturday April 11, 1 pm at the Royal Oak in Centrepointe.
Wherever you live in Canada, check out local events and enjoy the day!