From the Celtic History Newsletter:

I was planning on talking more about the earliest inhabitants of Ireland this month, but I’m moving that to next month. Since Tartan Day is coming up April 7th I decided to take a quick look at this new holiday to give people a little time to learn about, or organize their own local celebrations.

Since 1998, April 7th has been officially recognized by the US Senate as a day to celebrate the many ways in which Scottish-Americans have contributed to the history and prosperity of the United States.

The date for Tartan Day was selected to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, This document which asserted Scotland's independence from English claims is often interpreted as an early expression of 'popular sovereignty' – that kings could be chosen by the people rather than by God alone. It is also frequently said to have had an influence on the American Declaration of Independence.

During the 20-year Scottish War of Independence. Edward II of England was determined to take possession of Scotland, and England actually succeeded in persuading the Pope to excommunicate all of Scotland. In 1317 Pope John XXII sent two cardinals to England in an attempt to negotiate a truce, and in response to the papal intervention Robert the Bruce wrote two letters to the Pope. Accompanying the letters was the Declaration of Arbroath, a document drawn up by Scottish clergy and nobles, which formally set out Scotland’s case for independence. It was drawn up at Arbroath Abbey on 6 April, 1320, probably by the Abbot, Bernard de Linton, the Chancellor of Scotland.

The declaration explains Scotland’s struggle to become an independent state, and tries to persuade the Pope of the legitimacy of Scotland's case. It also warned the Pope that unless he accepted the Scottish argument, the war would continue, and any resulting deaths would be his responsibility. The history included in the declaration is a bit fantastical, or exaggerated, but the following line from the declaration continues to ring true down through the centuries: "It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself."

Read the text of The Declaration of Arbroath.

For more info on Tartan Day.

For information on Tartan Day events around the U.S..

Official Tartan Day site from the Scottish government.

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