# History of the Kirking of the Tartans: Is it really Scottish?

> HISTORY OF THE KIRKING OF THE TARTANS This Sunday, all over the world, many churches will observe the Kirkin' o' th' Tartans, a celebration of Scottish heritage and culture. What is The Kirking of the Tartans? Kirking Etymologically Kirking is from…
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> Last modified: 2025-10-23T17:07:32+00:00

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## HISTORY OF THE KIRKING OF THE TARTANS

This Sunday, all over the world, many churches will observe the *Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartans*, a celebration of Scottish heritage and culture.

*What is **The Kirking of the Tartans**?*

### 

Table of Contents

Toggle
- [Kirking Etymologically](#Kirking_Etymologically)
- [Legend of Kirking of the Tartans](#Legend_of_Kirking_of_the_Tartans)
- [History of Kirking of the Tartans](#History_of_Kirking_of_the_Tartans)
- [The Practice of Kirking of the Tartans](#The_Practice_of_Kirking_of_the_Tartans)
- [Related](#Related)

### Kirking Etymologically

- *Kirking* is from the Scots word *kirk,* which means church. In this usage, it means “blessing.”

- *Tartans* are the traditional plaid emblems of Scottish clans represented in unevenly spaced colored lines and rectangles on woven wool cloth.

Historically, the story is a bit more varied. The popular legend goes as follows:

 

### Legend of Kirking of the Tartans

On July 25, 1745, the young **Prince Charles Edward Stewart**, “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” returned from exile in France and landed at Lochnanaugh in Scotland. There, he began to enlist the **Highland Clans** for an unsuccessful attempt to dethrone **George II **of England and restore the Scottish throne to the Royal House of *Stewart*.

Following Prince Charlie’s defeat, the **Act of Proscription**, intended to subdue the vanquished Highlanders – along with the **Dress Act** of 1746 – banned the wearing by men and boys of “highland dress,” namely:

… the Plaid (belted large piece of fabric), Philabeg, or little Kilt, Trowse, Shoulder-belts, or any part whatever of what peculiarly belongs to the Highland Garb; and that no tartan or party-coloured plaid of stuff shall be used for Great Coats or upper coats.

During the 36 years following the earlier **Disarming Act** of 1746, the *Hanoverian* English government, starting with **George I,** strictly enforced this ban. During the Sunday service, it was said that Scottish Highlanders would touch the hidden piece of tartan cloth under their clothes when the minister gave the benediction or *kirkin’*, thus rededicating themselves to God and their Scottish heritage.

 

### History of Kirking of the Tartans

Need for Tweed shop sign in London. Author’s photo

A curious wrinkle in this *legend* is that none of my friends in Scotland know this so-called “history” about the Kirkin’. It isn’t easy to find an unbroken line of history tracing the practice back specifically to this origin in the mid-18th century.

A more recent and better-documented version of the story is that this began as a **Scottish-American** custom.

The *Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartans* service was created or “revived” during World War II by **Reverend Peter Marshall**, perhaps best known for the biographical book and film *A Man Called Peter*. Marshall was originally from southwest Scotland and, at one time, pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. In 1943, he was the first Chaplain of the U.S. Senate.

To encourage Scottish-Americans to sign up to fight on behalf of Great Britain, Peter Marshall recreated the Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartans ceremony to instill pride among them in their Scottish homeland. At that time, the ceremony was held in Presbyterian churches of Scottish heritage across the U.S.

Today, the celebration is not limited to Presbyterian churches but is found in Episcopalian, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other denominations worldwide. In present-day celebrations, the Highlander patriotism, faithfulness, and strong independence are remembered by displaying tartans and the public parade of the clans to the sound of the bagpipe.

 

Village Seven Presbyterian Church “Reformation Sunday” pipe and drum in Colorado Springs, CO. Author’s photo

 

### The Practice of Kirking of the Tartans

The Kirking of the Tartans is often celebrated on [**Reformation Sunday,**](https://billpetro.com/history-of-october-31/) near the last Sunday in October, to connect it with the anniversary of [**Martin Luther**](https://billpetro.com/history-of-martin-luther-part-3-bull/)‘s nailing the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Door on October 31, 1517. Kirkins are also celebrated at other times of the year, such as on **St. Andrew’s Day** – the patron saint of Scotland – on November 30 and **Tartan Day** on April 6. In 1952, the *Kirkin*‘ service was moved to the [Washington National Cathedral](https://cathedral.org/) (Episcopal), home of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. The St. Andrew’s Society there even celebrates a [Tartan Ball](https://saintandrewsociety.org/event/75th-annual-tartan-ball/).

In churches, and even at Scottish Highland Games, the Kirkin’ is celebrated by Scots – and those who would be Scots – accompanied by prayer, scripture, preaching, blessing, bagpipe, and, of course, the singing of [*Amazing Grace*](https://billpetro.com/history-of-amazing-grace-part-1/).

 

Bill MacPetro, your friendly neighborhood historian

[billpetro.com](https://billpetro.com)

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