kirking | Bill Petro

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

October 24, 2025

Reading Time: 3 minutesHISTORY 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 the Scots word kirk, which means church. In this usage, it means “blessing.” Tartans are…

History of Kirking of the Tartans

October 21, 2009

Reading Time: 3 minutesHISTORY OF 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? Etymologically it simply means: Kirking, from the Scottish Gaelic word kirk which means church, in this usage it means “blessing.”…