On April 6, 1320 The Scottish Nation declared Independence from England. Did you know the American Declaration of Independence was in fact modeled on this particular document. Almost half the signers of the American Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent, including our own ancestor, Blair. Who knew??
The US Senate Resolution on National Tartan Day was passed on March 20, 1998. From that point on Americans everywhere celebrated their Scottish heritage by wearing their tartans, attending parades, and getting together.
Tartan Day Los Angeles
The St. Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles puts on an annual Tartan Day celebration at the Intercontinental Hotel in Beverly Hills. It is a black tie and floor length gown event. This year, Madison Bella, Sage, and myself attended. (Josh had to work) We proudly wore our Gregor sashes Grandma King gave us. Sage pretty much owned the night as she sold raffle tickets for the first hour. Who can say no to a little girl all dolled up?
After the cocktail hour and raffle ticket selling, we all sat down to a three course meal. Sage chose to sit at the Young Scots table and made friends with several people closer to her age. We ate Scottish salmon and had fruit tarts for dessert. Sage continued her own evening parking herself on the floor so she could have a front row seat to the entertainment which consisted of a pipe band, a pipe instructor and a group of dancers who gave sample dances.
Sage the Dancing Queen
Did the entertainment continue? Yes it did! A second bunch of dancers came in and did Scottish country dancing. It was then open country dancing and Sage danced every dance until her shoes started hurting her feet. I think she danced with just about every grandpa there was to dance with. At the end of the evening we said our good byes and headed out…we were a tired but delighted bunch.
Just so you don’t think it was all about Sage (although she was pretty fun to watch) Madison Bella and I were a little more low key but we enjoyed the night none the less. It is so much fun getting to know people who are proud of their lineage and willing to try new things like a folk dance or an interesting food. People were so willing to share the stories behind their tartan or pins. There was a lot of laughter and a lot of smiles.
Take Aways
Scots and Scottish Descendants are excellent story tellers
Scots and Scottish Descendants know how to throw a great party
Scottish Salmon is amazing
Sage might be born to be a dancer
READ: All the American Clan Gregor Adventures
READ: Our First Burns Night
Tracing Your Scottish Ancestors
I have found that it takes a variety of resources to research family trees. Whereas Ancestry is a great tool, it does not always lead to correct information or exact paperwork needed to prove a lineage. This book is a great help and I recommend it for anyone seeking to not just collect the documents but for those seeking an understanding of the world our ancestors lived in. I appreciate that because when I’m gone I really hope I’m remembered more then just as a birth, marriage, and death certificate.
READ: Queen Mary Highland Games
Just Starting Out in Genealogy
Here is a great book to keep on your desk. It’s part encyclopedia, part dictionary, and part almanac. One hundred percent practical and genuinely informative. Basically, it’s Genealogy 101 so you don’t feel like a complete moron when you fall down the genealogy rabbit hole. 🙂
Want To Learn More About Tartan
How fun to get all dressed up for something like this! I love learning about my genealogy!
How fun!! Love keeping the family history alive! My older girls used to Polish dance when we lived in Michigan.
right on! I bet they loved it!
I completely love your takeaway section! What a great idea!
ha ha Thank you!!!
I did not know the American Declaration of Independence was modeled on that document.
I actually didn’t either. I knew the government took ideas from the Iroquois Confederacy but this was new to me too. Makes sense though given the genetic makeup of America at the time
What an interesting post. Loved it.
Why thank you! I hope you enjoy the others in the series of Scottish ancestry as well!
This was such a fun way to celebrate your heritage.
Thank you! We actively sleuth fun ways out 🙂 It’s kind of our thing 🙂
It’s like partying with your ancestors! How fun!
hahaha yes! totally going to use this phrase!
Genealogy is very interesting!
Indeed! a ton of stories…just waiting to be unearthed and shared
You guys look amazing and it looked like a wonderful event!
Thank you Tricia! It was lovely!
How fun! I am also part Scottish. I can’t wait to get there someday.
CooL! Well I hope you consider signing up for my monthly newsletter. Each month we do a new story on our Scottish field trips and experiences…
Such a great looking group of girls. I’m sure it was be a night for you all to remember.
Thank you! It was rather beautiful
What a fun event to celebrate your heritage. And so cool about your genealogical tie-in with the Declaration of Independence! I may have to pick up that 101 book as the research does tend to lead you down a rabbit hole.
I’m telling you… anything that can keep me tethered LOL It’s tons of fun to look into but it can get real confusing real fast. Plus their record keeping is a wee different over seas so yes… guidebook 100% LOL If you get stuck reach out, I’m happy to help!
That is so cool! Love the costumes!
Thanks! I love our sashes. It stirs something in my soul to wear it
So interesting! What a fun way to spend the day and learn a little something too. My favorite combination.
Thanks Pam! Mine too 🙂
I am part of the Gordon Clan and have a scarf out of their tartan. This sounds like a great event!
I have a couple friends in Clan Gordon! Do you ever go to get togethers or Highland games?
I have Scottish ancestors so this info will be very helpful for me to learn more about them. This event also sounds like a lot of fun!
I’m glad you enjoyed! I hope you’ll consider signing up for our once a month newsletter. We post one adventure in Scottish ancestry each month. They are always a good time!