So nothing to do with canny Scots having a punch up over a Boxing Day sale.

Scottish Farm Servants

Into boxes and barrels would go supplies of cloth spun by the spinsters, the cobblers leather goods, new tools and supplies of salt and spices. Also dried goods such as meat, fish, vegetables and some fruit and cereals grown on the estate for bread making. This the giving out of such boxes became “Boxing Day”.

Boxing Day wasn’t always on December 26th but the first working day after Christmas.

sweetie scone

In some parts of Scotland Boxing Day was once known as ‘Sweetie Scone Day’, when the lords and ladies of great estates would make cakes with dried fruit and spices to distribute among the poor.

This tradition continued into regular working class homes where ‘sweetie-skons’ (Sweetie Scones), which contained dried fruit and spices, and were the forerunner of oor modern “Currant Loaf”. The ingredients more than likely given by the Lord or Lady of the estate, as there were few homes that could afford such luxury of dried fruit and spices, but friendly neighbours would make up the deficit to those that could not afford, nor had the ingredients. So it was the custom that either the Lord / Lady of the estate, to their workers, would invite them to sample or to give the ‘sweetie-skon’ or that neighbours would invite neighbours to sample or give the ‘Sweetie Scone’ to others.

A lovely idea that the community would look after it’s most vulnerable in this way.

The post Boxing Day – Sweetie Scone Day appeared first on ScotClans | Scottish Clans.

James Edgar emigrated from Edinburgh in 1878 when he was thirty-five, hoping to find work in America.  He went on to own department store in Brockton, Massachusetts, but his real legacy is he was to inspire a tradition that has defined Christmas for millions of children.

Research by an amateur genealogist has revealed the story of James Edgar.

James Edgar

His story was rediscovered by distant relative Hugh Smith, 69, from Thornliebank, Glasgow, when he began looking through family archives and found research from his uncle, James Edgar Grant Lockhart, a keen family historian.

Mr Smith said: “My late uncle was a great one for the family tree. I was clearing out a cupboard when I found his research, which told the tale of James Edgar, my grandmother’s cousin. It’s great to think that the first Santa in the biggest nation in the world was Scottish.”

As well the family tree, Mr Smith found an article from a defunct magazine called Modern Maturity, which featured an interview with James Edgar, a “roly-poly” man who left his home in Berwickshire to search for a better life in America.

He founded Edgar’s Department Store in 1878 and would stand on its the roof every Saturday morning to scatter pennies for local children. He would even offer impoverished youngsters jobs at his department store, even if he had no need for new employees.

“My life in Scotland was a poor one,” Mr Edgar once said. “When I came to this country I had to scratch to get by. I never really had a childhood because I was out working. I think that’s why I enjoy children so much. I was trying to make up for the childhood I never had.”

One Christmas he hit upon the idea of dressing up as a clown to walk around his store and choose a girl with the prettiest bow in her hair to win a doll.

One of James’ Costumes

James was known for dressing up and walking around the store.  One of his favourites was to dress in full Scottish regalia.

As a Scottish Chieftain

He then decided to dress as Father Christmas, adopting the familiar white beard and a red Santa suit that he based on famous 1863 illustrations by Thomas Nast, a celebrated cartoonist who invented the modern image of Father Christmas.

Thomas Nast’s Santa

In an interview James answered the question ‘How did you come up with the idea of dressing like Santa Claus?’:

“Last year I dressed as a clown and walked around the store. The children loved it! Recently I saw an illustration of Santa Claus by Thomas Nast.

Ah, the one he did for “The Night Before Christmas?”

Yes, that’s the one. I thought, “Ha, Santa looks like me!” Then I thought that would even be better than a clown. The children would love it! I have never been able to understand why the great gentleman lives at the North Pole. He is so far away…only able to see the children one day a year. He should live closer to them.

I tried to find a Santa Claus suit, but couldn’t find one. So I had one special made, based on Nast’s illustration. I was surprised by the reaction. The children had smiled at me when I dressed as a clown, but when I approached them as Santa, their eyes got big. They yelled, “Look! It’s Santa Claus!””

Edward Pearson, who remembered meeting Edgar as Santa, was interviewed in the Modern Maturity article. He said: “Nowadays Santa Claus is everywhere, but back in 1890 we had only seen him in newspapers or magazines. We never thought we would have a chance to meet him unless we sat up all night on Christmas Eve.”

After his first appearance, word soon spread that Santa was appearing in person and families flocked to see him. Demand grew to such an extent that another Father Christmas had to be hired as children began coming from as far away as New York to meet the hirsute Christmas hero. The following year, hundreds of stores across America copied his example and installed their own Santa.

Although the fact Edgar invented a fundamental Christmas tradition is often forgotten, he managed to achieve one wish.

“I have never understood why Santa lived at the North Pole,” Edgar added. “He is so far away and only able to visit children once a year. He should live closer to them.”

Now, when every child who chooses to can meet Father Christmas, the Scottish Santa’s ambition has been realised.

Located across the street from the original Edgar’s Department Store on the City of Brockton’s Adams Parking Garage is a bronze plaque to honor James Edgar, the first Department Store Santa.

The post The First Shop Floor Santa was Scottish appeared first on ScotClans | Scottish Clans.

Edinburgh at Christmas Time

It’s hard to imagine that once upon a time Christmas was banned for over 400 years in Scotland. Today shops are full of anything and everything Christmas related you could ever need, you can spot Christmas trees in almost every sitting room window and fairy lights adorn houses and businesses across the land. Up until 54 years ago, Christmas day was just another working day in Scotland. The ban was surprisingly only lifted as recently as 1958 and Boxing Day was only recognised as a public holiday in 1974.

So where does this turbulent history of Christmas in Scotland begin? Celtic Pagans who were kicking about in Western Europe between 500 BCE and 500 CE held celebrations around the time of winter solstice (usually around the 21st or 22nd of December). The festivities were in part to brighten the dark winter days, and to appease the Gods to allow the sun to return. Traditions included the burning of the Yule log, with the charred remains being used to protect the house throughout the year, and kissing under mistletoe (a fertility rite). It is the pagans too who have been credited with the early tradition of decorating a tree. It is thought that they hung shapes from an evergreen brought into the house to symbolise life.

With the establishment of Roman Catholicism in Scotland in the 5th and 6th centuries, Pagan winter solstice traditions were mishmashed with Christian traditions, perhaps explaining why they are still around in some form or another to this day. Prior to the Scottish Reformation of 1560, Christmas in Scotland was known as Yule and celebrated in a similar fashion to the rest of Europe. Yule is a Scots word that comes from the Old Norse jól, their word for winter solstice festivities. Traditionally Yule refers not just to Christmas Day but the festive season associated with it, which began before Christmas day and continued till after the new year.

John Knox, Leader of the Scottish Reformation

Post-Reformation of 1560, in which Scotland formally declared its split with the Catholic Church, anti-Catholic sentiment towards feast days and church holidays was high. John Knox, the leader of the Presbyterian movement, banned the celebration of Christmas in Scotland in 1580. He saw the holiday (including St. Nicholas) as one created by the Catholic Church and instead favored the continuation of Hogmanay as a time to celebrate new life. This eventually led to the 1640 Act of Scottish Parliament which officially abolished the “Yule vacation and all observation thereof in time coming”, and was strictly enforced by law.

The Act stated (in Middle Scots):

“… the kirke within this kingdome is now purged of all superstitious observatione of dayes… thairfor the saidis estatis have dischairged and simply dischairges the foirsaid Yule vacance and all observation thairof in tymecomeing, and rescindis and annullis all acts, statutis and warrandis and ordinances whatsoevir granted at any tyme heirtofoir for keiping of the said Yule vacance, with all custome of observatione thairof, and findis and declaires the samene to be extinct, voyd and of no force nor effect in tymecomeing.”

(English translation: “… the kirk within this kingdom is now purged of all superstitious observation of days… therefore the said estates have discharged and simply discharge the foresaid Yule vacation and all observation thereof in time coming, and rescind and annul all acts, statutes and warrants and ordinances whatsoever granted at any time heretofore for keeping of the said Yule vacation, with all custom of observation thereof, and find and declare the same to be extinct, void and of no force nor effect in time coming.”)

Nevertheless there are many accounts of folk who continued their Christmas festivities, with some receiving fines or even prison sentences. On 27 December 1583, five people in Glasgow were brought before the kirk session and sternly ordered to make public repentance for ‘keeping Yule’. In the same year the Scot’s Church forbade bakers from preparing mincemeat pies, a chiefly tradition in pre-Reformation Christmas festivities. Anyone found baking them would be punished, or as more often happened, bakers were encouraged to inform on the customers who ordered them. In order to fox the Church, mincemeat pies became smaller and easier to hide. During the Christmas of 1605, five Aberdonians were prosecuted for going through the town ‘maskit and dancing with bellis’

For anti-Christmas humbuggery on a spectacular scale, it’s hard to beat a demonstration by students at Edinburgh University in 1680. In a letter entitled The Scots Demonstration of Their Abhorrence of Popery, with all its Adherents, the author recounts how the students had themselves a jolly Christmas by burning an effigy of the Pope. “Our Chriftmafs, this morning very pleasantly began” begins the letter, describing how the students burnt the effigy in public, despite a plea by authorities against “tumultuous affemblies.”

Even though the Victorians revived Christmas traditions to some extent, up until the 1960s Scots were mostly indiffernt to Christmas. With the fading of the influence of the Church and influence from the rest of the UK and elsewhere, Christmas time in Scotland today is celebrated with all the trimmings.

The post A History of Christmas in Scotland appeared first on ScotClans | Scottish Clans.

This isn’t the first time a Santa has appeared playing the pipes  – last Christmas in Portland, Oregon a kilted Santa playing the bagpipes and riding a unicycle was spotted on a number of occasions on the city’s streets. Unfortunately there have been no confirmed sightings of the bearded piper this year.

The post Hundreds of Piping Santas Advance on Edinburgh appeared first on ScotClans | Scottish Clans.

Perhaps my favourite part of Christmas (after opening presents, of course), are the days spent feasting and picking at leftovers until you can’t possibly eat any more. Here’s a compile of traditional Scots Christmas fare, guaranteed to warm your cockles this holiday season. All recipes featured below come from Theodora Fitzgibbon’s book Traditional Scottish Cookery, first published in 1980 and found at a charity shop in Edinburgh (price – £2).

Cock-A-Leekie Soup

In the 1826 work The Annals of the Cleikum Club, author Dr Regdil wrote extensive recollections of feasts and dinner parties hosted by 17th century Scottish aristocrats. In it he wrote: “… I yield the Scots the superiority in all soups – save turtle and mulligatawny.”

Scotland has a long-standing and excellent reputation for soups, perhaps attributed to the Auld Alliance – the country’s long connection with France. Cock-A-Leekie soup likely originated in France as chicken and onion soup, but by the time it had made it’s way to Scotland in the 16th century, the onions were replaced with leeks. This soup is traditionally served at Christmas time banquets and at Burn’s Night supper, as well as an every day soup in winter.

• 1 boiling fowl about 4lb, (2 kg.) jointed or carcase, leg and wings of a bird.
• 3 chopped rashers streaky bacon
• water or stock to cover
• mixed bouquet garni of parsley, thyme, bay leaf
• salt and pepper
• 12 medium-sized leeks
• 1/4 lb. (125 g.) cooked, stoned prunes

Put the jointed bird, or carcase, legs and wings, and the bacon into a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and remove any scum. Add about 8 of the leeks, which have been well washed and chopped, the green as well as the white part, the herbs tied into a bundle, salt and pepper. Return to the boil, then simmer very gently for about 2-3 hours or until the chicken is cooked. Add a little more water if necessary but do not weaken the stock too much. Taste for seasoning, then strain, picking out the chicken, taking the meat from the bones and cutting it into small pieces. Add to the soup, together with the stoned prunes and the remaining chopped leeks and simmer very gently for not more than 15 minutes. It can be garnished with a very little cream and chopped parsley, but do not disguise the pure flavour too much.

Serves 8 if a whole bird is used, and at least 6 with the carcase etc.

Roastit Bubbly-Jock

This recipe comes from a Mrs. Buchanan in 1891, and is the traditional Scottish method of cooking turkey. At this time oysters were cheap and pentiful, forming part of the stuffing. It probably gets its curious name from the gobbling voice of the live bird.

• 1 hen turkey about 10 lb. (4.6 kg.)
• 2 oz. (50 g.) melted butter
• 1 pint (600 ml.) giblet stock, hot
• 1 heaped tablespoon redcurrant jelly

For the stuffing:

• 1 lb. (450 g.) sausage meat
• 4 oz. (125 g.) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 pint (150 ml.) milk
• 6 oysters, fresh or canned, optional
• 8 large, peeled cooked chestnuts
• 2 stalks chopped celery
• chopped turkey liver
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley
• pinch of dried sage

Wipe the turkey inside and out and prick the breast lightly. Then soak the breadcrumbs in the milk and squeeze dry before adding all the other stuffing ingredients, then put this into the body and crop of the bird.
Put the bird in the roasting tin and brush with the melted butter, then add half the stock, cover with foil and roast at 350ºF. (170ºC.) or gas mark 4 for 20-25 minutes to the pound. Baste half way through cooking time, season and add the rest of the giblet stock, warmed. Boil up before putting it back in the oven and continue cooking.
Take off the foil 15 minutes before it is ready to let it brown, and add the redcurrant jelly to the pan juices, stir well, boil up rapidly to reduce slightly and serve separately. Enough for 10.

Clootie Dumpling

This traditional pudding is also spelt ‘Cloutie’, from being boiled in a ‘clout’ or cloth. It’s a favourite at Christmas time, with recipes varying from region to region. In the north-east recipes tend to use oats and golden syrup, while the further south you go, breadcrumbs and treacle are called for. Perfect alongside whisky-laden custard or brandy butter, the dumpling should be eaten within two days otherwise should be sliced then frozen. For a boxing day treat, toast or fry slices of the dumpling and serve as part of a full-Scottish breakfast.

• 4 oz. (125 g.) shredded suet, or margarine
• 8 oz. (225 g.) flour
• 4 oz. (125 g.) oatmeal
• 3 oz. (75 g.) sugar
• 1 rounded teaspoon baking powder
• 8 oz. (225 g.) mixed sultanas and currants
• 1 teaspoon each: ground cinnamon and ginger
• 1 tablespoon golden syrup
• 2 eggs
• 3-4 tablespoons buttermilk or sour milk

Rub the fat into the sifted flour, then add all the other dry ingredients. Make a hole in the centre and add the syrup and beaten eggs and mix well. Then add enough buttermilk or sour milk to make a soft but firm batter. If using a pudding cloth dip it first into boiling water and then flour it well before adding the pudding mixture. Tie up, but allow a good space for expansion.
Or the mixture can be put into a lightly greased basin allowing a one inch (2.5 cm) space at the top. Tie down securely and boil with boiling water coming up to the rim for 2 1/2-3 hours. If using the cloth, put a saucer or plate in the bottom of the saucepan and stand the pudding in the cloth on top, then cover with boiling water and cook for 2 1/2-3 hours.

Shortbread

This traditional cake is special to Scotland and eaten all the year round, but especially at Christmas and Hogmanay as once upon a time it was a luxury and reserved only for special occasions. To ensure best results, it should be made from only the finest ingredients and will not have the proper flavour if butter is not used. Originally it was made from oatmeal, but nowadays the finest sifted flour and rice flour are used.

Although shortbread was prepared during much of the 12th century, the refinement of shortbread is credited to Mary, Queen of Scots in the 16th century. The name of one of the most famous and most traditional forms of shortbread, petticoat tails, may have been named by her. This type of shortbread was baked, cut into triangular wedges, and flavored with caraway seeds. The ingredients should be warm and dry.

• 1 lb. (450 g.) butter
• 8 oz. (225 g.) castor sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1 lb. (450 g.) sifted flour
• 8 oz. (225 g.) rice flour – if rice flour is not available then all wheat flour can be used, but reduce it to 1 lb. (45o g.) in all.

Cream the butter and sugar together very well. Mix the flours and salt, sift them, then incorporate them gradually but thoroughly until the dough is like a shortcrust pastry texture. Do not knead or roll out as this only toughens it. Press with the hand into two round cakes and if you don;t have a wooden shortbread mould, then put on to an ungreased baking sheet covered with baking-paper. The usual thickness is about 3/4 inch (1.9 cm.) for an 8-inch (20.3-cm.) shortbread.
Pinch the edges regularly with the finger and thumb and prick all over, lightly with a fork. Cook in a pre-heated oven at 375ºF. (190ºC.) or gas mark 5 for about 1 hour, and after 20 minutes reduce the heat to 350ºF. (180ºC.) or gas mark 4 to let it crisp up and get a pale fawn colour. Leave to cool before putting on to a rack.

The post Scots Christmas Fare appeared first on ScotClans | Scottish Clans.

1 -  Aran Knit Cable Top Hose

Our wonderful hose maker Mrs Allen is retiring and clearing out her stock, so we have a few pairs of these fabulous kilt hose left and available at a great price. The hose are hand made and of the highest quality – they’re guaranteed to keep you warm this winter! Available in cream and black. Be in quick – once they’re gone that’s it! We’ve also got our top selling Stretch Kilt Hose ready to go now too – we hear they also make excellent walking socks!

2 – Luckenbooth Brooch

One of our favourite items in our store, the Luckenbooth Brooch, so called because of its sale from ‘locked booths’ on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. These brooches were traditionally gifted by a young man to his betrothed and subsequently pinned to the shawl of the first baby to protect from evil spirits. Made in pewter to a traditional design, this brooch is approx. 41mm high.

3 – Tea Towels

We’ve got a load of lovely tea towels available in our store, including these clan crest designs that are made right here in Scotland. They’re 100% cotton, and would also be ideal for framing or hanging. Check out our complete range by clicking the links below:

Clan Crest
Map of Scotland
Wha’s Like Us? Scottish Inventions
Traditional Scottish Recipes
Souviner Scotland Map
Scottish Toasts and Verses
Legends of Scotland
Auld Scots Words
Amazing Grace
Scottish Town Crest Map
Country Flowers of Scotland

 4 – Celtic Dress Sgain Brew

This unique alternative to the classic Sgian Dubh features a bottle opener in place of the usual blade, offering you a safe alternative, as well as a handy tool for opening your favourite beverages. With a stunning celtic knot handle the Sgian Brew will still look the part once secured in your kilt hose. If you’re after the real thing, we also have this fantastic economy Sgain Dubh available to ship now.

5 – Clan Mini Books

Finally, here’s a perfect stocking filler or secret santa gift. These great little books give you a potted history of your clan – illustrated with famous McIan paintings of the highland chiefs.

The post Top 5: Last Minute Gift Ideas appeared first on ScotClans | Scottish Clans.

Rodger – Clan Crest and Tartan Wooden Coasters

Clan Coaster Pack

New and exclusive to ScotClans, these high-gloss wooden coasters are available in hundreds of different clans and tartans.
Rodger says:

The print quality of these coasters is quite spectacular, the colours are incredibly vivid and the detail is sharp. I have a sample one we printed up on my desk and its been in constant use for best part of 6 months and it still looks as good as new. I really can’t recommend this product highly enough. What’s better is you can team this up with the placements made from the same material.

 Amanda – Edinburgh Scarf Cape

Edinburgh Scarf Cape

This beauty is made from 100% pure new wool (reiver) and is available in over 500 tartans. It’s made by Lochcarron of Scotland, but please be aware that it is made to order and can take 4-6 weeks to make on top of delivery. Perfect for keeping you warm during the months of cold ahead!
Amanda says:

Perfect for the Edinburgh Weather. I’m not someone who would wear a kilt but love the idea of showing off my Clan Moffat connections with this. (Hint hint Rodger Moffet!)

Donald  – Large Clan Plaque

Exclusive to ScotClans, this fantastic plaque measures 19x24cm and is available in any tartan and clan we have a crest for (we’ve got hundreds!). Donald is our chief plaque maker, so all of these plaques come to you directly from him in our wee home in Edinburgh. It’s printed in high quality with fantastic detail and vivid colours. They’re made to order so please factor this in when choosing your delivery option.

Margaret – Whisky Guide and Clan Map of Scotland

Whisky – All You Need To Know Bookazine

Clan Map of Scotland

Whisky – All You Need to Know is your quintessential guide to Scottish whisky. The book includes information on top drams and distilleries in Scotland, and a comprehensive history of the drink known as ‘the water of life’. Margret says that this extensive and thorough book is fantastic value for money, and the perfect addition to any whisky enthusiasts collection. She also chose the fantastic Clan Map of Scotland (59x42cm). In addition to showing where  major clans and families hail from, the map also shows important sites of interest such as where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed, the location of the Raising of the Standard and major battle sites.
Margaret said:

The Clan Map of Scotland is such a fantastic map and looks stunning in a frame. We have one in the office and it looks great.

Andy – Clan Crest Mobile Phone Covers

Clan Crest Mobile Phone Covers

Our mobile phone clan crest covers come in a whole range of different models. They’re available in leather, aluminum or hard wearing plastic with a high quality clan and tartan print on the back. Andy is our chief photographer at ScotClans – he thinks the cases are perfect for showing your clan allegiance when you’re on the go. Available in the following models: iPhone 4 & 5 aluminium, Leather iPhone 4/4S/5 Flipcase and Samsung, Blackberry, HTC & Nokia Case.

Nadine – Silver Locket for Six Photos

Silver Locket for Six Photos

In a wildly imaginary world in which I have untold amounts of money to spend on jewellery, this would be at the top of my list! This beautiful and intricate handcrafted sterling silver ‘boule’ locket is reminiscent of Mary, Queen of Scots’ silver pomander. The locket opens to reveal six secret photograph frames, hallmarked on the back. The pendent measures approximately 30mm in diameter and is hung on either a 10mm tartan ribbon, authenticated by the Scottish Tartans Authority or a luxurious satin ribbon. The catch is a heavy silver plated ring and bar toggle. Each necklace is designed and handmade in Scotland. Please note that this item is made to order and takes 7-10 days to make on top of normal delivery times.

Floyd (office dog) – Soft Toy Frog with Clan Crest T-Shirt

Soft Toy Frog with Clan Crest T-shirt

Floyd tells me he’s a fan of our cute little clan soft toys – especially the frog! They come with a t-shirt which is able to printed in hundreds of different clan crests. We’ve also got Lambs, Reindeer and Rabbits available too.

The post All You Want for Christmas – Our Picks appeared first on ScotClans | Scottish Clans.

Alex Salmond’s Christmas Card

Alex Salmond’s annual Christmas card has been criticised by members of the opposition parties because of its inclusion of the St. Andrew’s Cross.

Both David McLetchie, Scottish Conservative chief whip, and Mike Rumbles, chief whip for the Scottish Liberal Democrats have spoken out on what they view as the First Minister taking advantage of the Christmas period to once again highlight his nationalistic views and his desire for independence.

Mike Rumbles said, “I’m sure people would be more impressed if the first minister had thought about the message of Christmas rather than spent time picking out the most nationalistic Christmas card he could find.

“Everybody knows that the SNP are only interested in independence – the first minister doesn’t need to stick it on his Christmas cards too.”

However, Mr. Salmond described his choice of card, entitled ‘A New Journey’ by Scottish artist Gerard Burns, as “an enchanting and evocative image by a talented artist”, addding “The proceeds from the sale of the canvas will be shared equally between four extremely worthwhile charities, CLIC Sargent, Glasgow the Caring City, J-A-C-K Foundation and Mary’s Meals.”

A spokesman for the SNP leader said, “Messrs McLetchie and Rumbles should lighten up and get with the Christmas spirit. They are obviously badly in need of a festive break.

“The Saltire is for all of Scotland, and the artist has presented it in his own style. They also seem to have entirely forgotten that Andrew was Jesus’s first apostle.”

Scottish Labour Leader, Iain Gray’s Christmas card design.

Scottish Labour leader, Iain Gray has also recently released his Christmas card. It depicts a snowy, winter scene outside the Scottish Parliament, and it was designed by 11 year old P7 pupil Emma Caughey from Longniddry Primary School in Gray’s East Lothian constituency.

The post Alex Salmond’s Christmas Card Too ‘Political’ appeared first on ScotClans | Scottish Clans.