November 2007 - Scottish Heritage Society of Eastern North Carolina

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Volume 18, Issue 9
November 2007
The Folklore of Scotland: Fairies and Supernatural Creatures
The Scottish
Heritage Society
of Eastern
North Carolina
Jeff Friese, Editor
Inside this issue:
McGonagall
2
St. Andrews
3
The Act of Union
4
Recipe
4
Robert Burns
5
Scottish Heritage
Month
6
Scottish Proverbs
Whisky may not cure the
common cold,
but it fails more agreeably
than most other things.
He was a bold man who first
ate a Haggis.
A penniless man walks fast
through the market.
There are many similarities between
Scottish and Irish supernatural creatures. In
many cases they probably have the same early
Celtic root.
Each Uisge: The Each Uisge, is a name
for the Highland supernatural water horse,
supposedly the most dangerous of the Scottish
water dwelling creatures. The monster
inhabited the sea, sea lochs and fresh water
lochs and is sometimes mistaken in writing as
the Kelpie, which is supposed to inhabit rivers
and streams.
The Each Uisge had the ability to shape
shift, and could disguise itself as a fine horse or
pony. To lure people into the water it would
stand by the waters edge in one of these
forms, and wait for somebody to approach. If a
man was to mount the horse, it would
immediately set off into the deepest part of the
loch, the rider being unable to free himself
because of the adhesive qualities of the
creature's skin. Once in its element, the
unfortunate victim would drown, and be
devoured completely apart from the liver, which
would float ashore, a sure sign that the water
horse had claimed another victim.
Silkies: Silkies are shape shifting sea
fairies usually in the form of bright-eyed seals.
They are localized to Northern Scotland and
the Shetland Islands.
Silkies often came on to land in human
form, where they would dance, especially on
the night of the full moon.
In taking human form the Silkies shed their
sealskin, and hide them in a safe place. There
are many tales from the clans of leaders taking
Silkie wives by stealing their skins. The Silkies
are said to make good wives but always long
for the sea, and return to their seal form if they
(Continued on page 4)
Scots in Engineering and Science!!
Saturday, September 15, marked the return
of our Lunch and Learn fall series. Our own
distinguished Board member, Roy Jackson,
presented a program entitled, “SCOTS IN
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING.” Roy said,
“Scots have been responsible for major
advances in science and engineering to a
disproportionate extent in relation to the size of
their population. The lives and contributions of
one or two of the very greatest among them will
be explored in this talk.”
Roy is uniquely qualified to explore this
topic. Although not a Scot, he is an exceptional
scientist with a long and distinguished career
as a teacher and researcher in various fields of
science and engineering. He is now Emeritus
Professor of Engineering and Applied Science
at Princeton University and a Fellow of the
Royal Society of London, the British equivalent
of our National Academy of Science.
Previously he has been associated with Rice
University, the California Institute of
Technology, Cambridge University, and the
University of Edinburgh, whence his Scots
connection.
Roy talks science
Page 2
Tartan Talk
McGonagall “bard” from Edinburgh Writer’s Museum
Scotland has produced its share of literary greats,
to include the likes of Robert Burns, Robert Louis
Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott. Fans of the man
often referred to as the “world’s worst poet,” the
woeful William McGonagall, are attempting to have
him listed among them. However, with over 100 years since his
death, his detractors have successfully blocked plans for a
memorial in his honor at the Writer’s Museum in Edinburgh.
Some of you have already had the pleasure of hearing some
of “Willie’s” works for he is a favorite of a few Society members.
He was the subject of a Lunch and Learn and a few of his
“lighter” works have been read at our annual St. Andrew
Celebration.
His works were so bad that he carried an umbrella as
protection from the bombardment of rotten tomatoes he faced
when he recited.
Bob Watt, chairman of the Edinburgh Friends of William
McGonagall believes the decision to keep Willie out of the
museum is simple snobbery. "These academics and arts big
wigs don't like McGonagall because he's so accessible ... he's
the peoples' poet. To me he is one of the greats of Scottish
literature. He endures to this day because he touches the lives of
so many people. He's about laughter, some folk laugh at him
while others laugh with him."
McGonagall’s poems often are slow in meter and contain
agonizing rhymes, yet have remained in print since his death in
1902. It was his own publisher who gave to him the moniker of
the “world’s worst” poet, putting the appellation on a volume of
his works. He, on the other hand, was quite sure of himself and
believed his poetry to be nearly the equal of Shakespeare.
Fans today keep the flame alive by holding recitals and
annual events similar to that celebrating Scotland’s most famous
son Robert Burns. At McGonagall night, the meal is eaten back
to front with the dessert first and ending with the starter.
Getting no respect from his birth city of Edinburgh or his
adopted home of Dundee, for neither city has a statue to him
though both have plaques.
Scotland's literary and artistic vanguard The Saltire Society
confirmed it had vetoed proposals to honor McGonagall with a
slab in the courtyard of the Writers Museums in Edinburgh.
"His work appeals to people because it gives them a sense of
superiority. This is mockery rather than appreciation. So-called
fans are in fact cruel because they make fun of McGonagall's
ineptitude," said Paul Scott, vice-convener of the society.
Source: Associated Press
Financial Aid Requests
The Scottish Heritage Society of Eastern North Carolina is educational institutions in this same area.
accepting applications for financial aid to support persons
Application forms may be obtained by visiting our website
engaged in projects and activities of an educational nature that (www.shsenc.org) or by writing to:
promote the history and/ or culture of Scotland. Guidelines are
available at our website (www.shsenc.org).
Chair, SHS Financial Aid Committee
Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2007.
PO Box 1282
New Bern, NC 28563
This financial aid is available to residents of Eastern North
Carolina served by the Society or to students attending
Help Wanted (and needed)
Planning for the Colonial Capital Scottish Festival
continues. There is still much work to be done. We
have had several people volunteer to assist by either
accepting committee chair positions or by working on
one of the many committees we will need to make the
festival a success.
There is still much to do, and plenty of room for anyone who
wishes to apply their time and talent. We need your help. Jeff and
Lori Friese visited the Flora MacDonald and Waxhaw highland
games. There is a lot of anticipation within the games community
for our little festival, which will be the first and only festival in
Eastern North Carolina. All the more reason to make this festival
a success.
If you would like to help with planning and organizing the
festival, please contact Judy Harkin (colonialscots@yahoo.com)
or Lori Friese (dragonfly_granny@yahoo.com).
Volume 18, Issue 9
Page 3
Saint Andrew: Patron Saint of Scotland
Some facts about Saint Andrew and Saint Andrew’s Day:
which, therefore, came to be called St. Andrew's cross. The blue
stands for the sky.
In January 2007, the St Andrew's Day Bank Holiday (Scotland)
Act was given royal assent, making 30 November (or the nearest Facts, Customs and Traditions
Monday if a weekend) a bank holiday in Scotland.
St. Andrew's Day is connected with Advent, which begins on the
nearest Sunday to 30 November.
St. Andrew's Day marks the opening of Christmas Markets.
On 30 November, Scottish people celebrate St Andrew's Day.
Who was St Andrew?
St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland
St. Andrew was one of the Twelve Apostles (disciples of Jesus)
and brother of Simon Peter (Saint Peter). He was a fisherman by
trade, who lived in Galilee (in present-day Israel.)
Why is St Andrew's symbol a white cross on a blue background?
St. Andrew is believed to have died on a diagonally transversed
cross which the Romans sometimes used for executions and
Many Midwinter customs and folk superstitions are also
connected to St. Andrew's day. Around midnight on Nov. 29, the
day before St Andrew's Day, it was traditional for girls to pray to
St. Andrew for a husband. They would make a wish and look for a
sign that they had been heard.
A girl wishing to marry could:
•
Throw a shoe at a door. If the toe of the shoe pointed in
the direction of the exit, then she would marry and leave
her parents' house within a year.
•
Peel a whole apple without breaking the peel and throw
the peel over the shoulder. If the peel formed a letter of
the alphabet, then this suggested the name of her future
groom.
Annual Saint Andrew Day Celebration
Our annual St. Andrew’s celebration is soon upon us. As is
the custom, we have several events planned the following
events to commemorate this important day. This years activities
will take place the weekend of November 16-18.
St. Andrew’s Dinner and Ceilidh
What would a celebration be without out a Ceilidh? This
year’s Ceilidh will take place Friday night November 16th starting
at 5:30 p.m. We will start the evening with a bit of socializing to
be followed by a potluck dinner starting shortly after 6:00 and the
entertainment immediately after dinner. Cost for the event is
$5:00 per person, with kids under 12 being free. The fee is
necessary to defray the cost of renting the hall. Please prepare a
main dish to serve 10 as well as a dessert, side dish, or
appetizer. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, but for
those who wish to partake of more spirited drink, it is BYOB.
After dinner we will have the Ceilidh. There will be dancing,
singing, piping and a bad poem or two. This is the time to display
your particular talents. If you sing, play, dance or even have a
good joke or two (please keep it clean) we would love to have
you participate.
Parade and Proclamation
Saturday, November 17th with a gathering at Bear Plaza,
located on Middle Street between South Front and Pollock
Streets, in historic downtown New Bern at 2:00 p.m. There will be
piper for your entertainment. At 2:45 we will march down Middle
Street and around the corner to City Hall, where we will raise the
St. Andrew’s Saltire to proudly fly over city hall, and a
representative from the Mayor’s office will read the annual
proclamation. Everyone is to wear Scottish attire. Come join us
and show your pride in your Scottish heritage
Kirkin’
The First Presbyterian Church of Morehead City, would like to
invite the Society members to their 10:55 a.m. service on Sunday,
18 November for their annual “Scottish Heritage Sunday.” The
program will include a processional and recessional of Society
officers and members who will be seated in a group adjacent to
the Baptismal Font.
Lunch
Following the service, if you desire, we have arranged for us
to eat lunch at the Captain Bill’s Restaurant. Please call Lori
Friese 444-2624 and let her know you would like to join us for
Page 4
Tartan Talk
The Folklore of Scotland: Fairies and Supernatural Creatures (cont.)
(Continued from page 1)
gain repossession of their skins.
Will o' the Wisp: The Will o' the Wisp is the most common
name given to the mysterious lights that were said to lead
travelers from the well-trodden paths into treacherous marshes.
The tradition exists with slight variation throughout Britain, the
lights often bearing a regional name.
There are various explanations for the Will o' the Wisps, the
most general being that they are malevolent spirits either of the
dead or non-human intelligence.
They have a mischievous and often malevolent nature, luring
unwary travelers into dangerous situations. In many places the
Will o' the Wisp were associated with spirits of the dead who
could not enter either heaven or hell, malignantly wandering the
earth leading foolish travelers astray.
The Glaistig: The Glaistig was a solitary supernatural being
of the Scottish Highlands, with the upper half of a woman and the
lower half of a goat, although she was also believed to appear in
human and animal form. Her skin was grey, and long golden hair
fell about her body. Like many of the fairy races she was often
seen clothed in green, in the form of a long flowing robe, which
covered her goat half.
She frequented the lonely lochs and rivers in the Highlands of
Scotland, and is sometimes describes as a half earth, half water
sprite, although in Gaelic her name means literally 'water imp'.
In the diverse and changing traditions of the Highlands, the
Glaistig was seen as both benevolent and malevolent towards
humans. In one aspect she even takes the role of the Banshee,
wailing at the death of important people. She was also thought of
as a trickster - throwing stones and leading travelers astray from
their paths. In her gentler role she was seen as a mischievous
friend to children, and in older stories she was even trusted to
play with children while their mothers were milking the cows. The
Glaistig was also closely linked to cattle, and in some forms is
seen as a herder of domestic cattle, and of wild deer.
Cait Sith: Cait Sith literally means fairy cat, the creature was
said to haunt the Highland region. The cat was said to be as big
as a dog and completely black, apart from one white spot on its
breast. Like a real cat it could be ferocious if stumbled upon.
It is possible the belief is related to some of the mystery black
cats that have been caught in the region. The Highlands are also
still populated with the wild cat in some places, they are
extremely aggressive if cornered.
Cu Sith: Cu Sith literally means fairy dog, this is the Highland
equivalent. In appearance the dog was green with long shaggy
fur, it was roughly the size of large calf and not unusually it was
considered dangerous to meet.
The creature was capable of hunting in silence, and would let
out three barks, which could be heard from miles around.
Supernatural dogs are usually completely black or white with
red ears, this is the only example of a green dog although green
is the color of the fairies.
SHS to Host First Bannackburn Ball
The first ever Bannockburn Ball is now being planned for June
21, 2008. This will be a formal Dinner Dance to celebrate the
anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn June 24, 1314.
Attendance is not restricted to SHS members, so plan to bring
friends, family, neighbors along so they can see how Scots really
celebrate. More information will be out in the New Year, but we
wanted to get this preliminary notice to you so that you can mark
your calendars and start planning your attendance.
Traditional Scottish Recipes - Diet Loaf
Here is a great cake which should prove to be popular at Christmas or Hogmanay (New Year) or indeed for any party celebration!
Ingredients:
12 oz Plain Chocolate
6 oz Butter
6 oz Sugar
3 Eggs - Separated
2-3 drops Angostura Bitters
2-3 tbsp Whisky
12-16 Sponge Fingers
1 tbsp Water
0.5 pt Double Cream Stiffly Beaten
Method: Line the sides of an 8" round loose-bottomed cake tin
with sponge fingers. Melt chocolate, add water. Beat butter and
sugar together until creamy. Beat in egg yolks, angostura and
whisky. Add the melted chocolate. Beat egg white stiffly and fold
into mixture. Pour into lined pan. Chill overnight. Remove from
cake tin, fill up center with cream, cover with a layer of grated
chocolate. Serve in wedges.
Page 5
Volume 18, Issue 9
Robert Burns Supper
Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish culture for
about 200 years as a means of commemorating our best loved
bard. And when Burns immortalized haggis in verse he created a
central link that is maintained to this day.
The ritual was started by close friends of Burns a few years
after his death in 1796 as a tribute to his memory. The basic format for the evening has remained unchanged since that time and
begins when the chairman invites the company to receive the
haggis.
THE FORMAT FOR A BURNS SUPPER
Chairperson's opening address
A few welcoming words start the evening and the meal commences with the Selkirk Grace.
The company are asked to stand to receive the haggis. A piper
then leads the chef, carrying the haggis to the top table, while the
guests accompany them with a slow handclap. The chairman or
invited guest then recites Burns' famous poem To A Haggis, with
great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line 'an cut you up wi'
ready slight', he cuts open the haggis with a sharp knife.
It's customary for the company to applaud the speaker then
stand and toast the haggis with a glass of whisky.
The company will then dine. A typical Bill o' Fare would be:
Cock-a-leekie soup
Haggis warm reeking, rich wi' Champit Tatties,
Bashed Neeps
Tyspy Laird (sherry trifle)
A Tassie o' Coffee
The Immortal Memory
One of the central features of the evening. An invited guest is
asked to give a short speech on Burns. There are many different
types of Immortal Memory speeches, from light-hearted to literary, but the aim is the same - to outline the greatness and relevance of the poet today.
Toast To The Lasses
The main speech is followed by a more light-hearted address to
the women in the audience. Originally this was a thank you to the
ladies for preparing the food and a time to toast the 'lasses' in
Burns' life. The tone should be witty, but never offensive, and
should always end on a conciliatory note.
Response
The turn of the lasses to detail men's foibles. Again, should be
humorous but not insulting.
Poem and Songs
Once the speeches are complete the evening continues with
songs and poems. These should be a good variety to fully show
the different moods of Burns muse. Favorites for recitations are
Tam O' Shanter, Address to the Unco Guid, To A Mouse and
Holy Willie's Prayer.
The evening will culminate with the company standing, linking
hands and singing Auld Lang Syne to conclude the program.
We will be holding our annual celebration January 19 2008
at the New Bern Convention Center. Please mark your calen-
A Song For Kilts
How grand the human race would be
If every man would wear a kilt,
A flirt of Tartan finery,
Instead of trousers, custom built!
Nay, do not think I speak to joke:
(You know I'm not that kind of man),
I am convinced that all men folk.
Should wear the costume of a Clan.
Imagine how it's braw and clean
As in the wind it flutters free;
And so conducive to hygiene
In its sublime simplicity.
No fool fly-buttons to adjust,-Wi' shanks and maybe buttocks bare;
Oh chiels, just take my word on trust,
A bonny kilt's the only wear.
'Twill save a lot of siller too,
(And here a canny Scotsman speaks),
For one good kilt will wear you through
A half-a-dozen pairs of breeks.
And how it's healthy in the breeze!
And how it swings with saucy tilt!
How lassies love athletic knees
Below the waggle of a kilt!
True, I just wear one in my mind,
Since sent to school by Celtic aunts,
When girls would flip it up behind,
Until I begged for lowland pants.
But now none dare do that to me,
And so I sing with lyric lilt,-How happier the world would be
If every male would wear a kilt!
Robert W. Service
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2007
RATIFIED BILL
RESOLUTION 2007-63
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 2067
A JOINT RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE SCOTS AND SCOTS-IRISH
TO NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, April 6 has a special significance for all Americans and especially those Americans of Scottish descent; and
Whereas, on April 6, 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish Declaration of Independence, was
signed; and
Whereas, the American Declaration of Independence was modeled on this inspirational document; and
Whereas, almost half the signers of the United States Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent
as were the governors of nine of the original 13 colonies; and
Whereas, more than 27 million Americans can trace their roots back to Scotland and the Scottish plantations
of Northern Ireland; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina was the primary destination of Scots and Scots-Irish immigrants, some
of whom became leaders of the State such as Colonial Governors Thomas Pollock and Gabriel Johnston and Governor Samuel Johnston; and
Whereas, North Carolina continues to lead the country in residents with Scottish and Scots-Irish heritage;
and
Whereas, North Carolina is home to various festivals and games featuring Scottish culture that are held annually across the State, including the Flora MacDonald Highland Games, Loch Norman Highland Games, Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Waxhaws Scottish Highland Games, and the Taste of Scotland held in Macon
County; and
Whereas, North Carolinians seeking information regarding their Scottish heritage and history can visit numerous museums and institutions throughout the State, including the Scottish Tartans Museum in Franklin; and
Whereas, there are many North Carolina localities named for the area's Scottish settlers or in honor of Scotland including Scotland Neck and Scotland County; and
Whereas, the Carolina Tartan was adopted as the official tartan of the State of North Carolina in 1991; and
Whereas, many organizations and legislative bodies have recognized the month of April as National Scots,
Scots-Irish Heritage Month, including the members of the Triad Highland Games, the Triad St. Andrews Society, and
the Triad Scottish American Military Society, which declared the recognition on April 6, 2006; and
Whereas, it is fitting that the General Assembly honor the major role that the Scots and Scots-Irish played in
the founding of this nation by recognizing the month of April of each year as National Scots, Scots-Irish Heritage
Month in the State of North Carolina; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1. The General Assembly honors the memory of Thomas Pollock, Gabriel Johnston, and Samuel Johnston, all of whom were born in Scotland, for their leadership of and contributions to the development of the State of
North Carolina.
SECTION 2. The General Assembly urges the citizens of this State to recognize the month of April of 2008 and
every April thereafter as National Scots, Scots-Irish Heritage Month.
SECTION 3. This resolution is effective upon ratification. In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this
the 31st day of July, 2007.
_____________________________________
Beverly E. Perdue
President of the Senate
_____________________________________
Joe Hackney
Speaker of the House of Representatives
ritage Society
The Scottish He
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PO Box 1282
New Bern NC 28563
membership@shsenc.org
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Below is a list of Society and other Scottish activities that may be
of interest.
SOCIETY EVENTS:
St. Andrew Celebrations
Ceilidh — Nov 16 - 6 pm, Farmer’s Market, Front St., New
Bern
Parade and City Proclamation — Nov 17 - 2 pm, Bear
Plaza, New Bern
Kirkin of the Tartans — Nov 18 - First Presbyterian
Church, Morehead City, service to be followed by lunch at
Captain Bill's Restaurant.
Burns Night Celebration
January 19 — 6:00 pm, Riverfront Convention Center,
New Bern
Lunch & Learn — February — date TBD, The Chelsea
Restaurant, New Bern, NC
Bannockburn Ball — June 21, 2008 — Time and place
TBD.
OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST:
Triad Highland Games Hogmanay Celebration
Greensboro, NC
January 5, 2008
www.triadhighlandgames.org
Mint Hill Scottish Festival
Mint Hill, NC
March 28-29, 2008
www.minthillscottishsociety.com
Loch Norman Highland Games
Huntersville, NC
April 18-20, 2008
www.ruralhillfarm.org
Bethabara Park Celtic Festival and Scottish Games
Winston-Salem, NC
May 11
www.bethabarapark.org