Tartan Day...

[Wee_Sanny]

Most people know that April 6th was chosen for Tartan Day because the date represents the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath on April 6, 1320, when the Nobles and Freeholders of Scotland came together at Arbroath Abbey under King Robert I of Scotland (The Bruce) to send a petition to Pope John XXII in Rome, declaring the independence of Scotland from English domination following the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. It is said to be the inspiration for many future documents declaring national liberty and the rights of citizens.

There are more people of Scots descent throughout the world than you'll find in Scotland itself. Tartan Day was established for people of Scottish heritage in the "New World" to show pride in their background and respect for their pioneer ancestors who were instrumental in developing the countries in which they now live. The Scottish value of hard work and education resulted in their prominence in the fields of business, education, government, the military and the professions.

Tartan Day originated in Nova Scotia, Canada. Ontario officially declared Tartan Day in 1991. Manitoba was the third Canadian Province to recognize this day in 1994 with Bill 206 (although April 6th had been proclaimed Tartan Day on a year by year basis for several years prior). The day is now officially recognized by all Provinces except Newfoundland and Quebec.

In the USA, Tartan Day was proclaimed nationally by a Senate Resolution on March 20, 1998. Tartan Day is also celebrated in Australia and New Zealand, but on July 1st each year. Interestingly, it is not celebrated in Scotland for the simple reason that the day is primarily for recognizing the contribution Scots have made elsewhere around the world.

It is probably not celebrated in Scotland for the simple reasons that not enough home-grown Scots know enough of their own history (blame our UK-imposed education system) to realise the significance of April the Sixth, and that the UK government would never countenance such a thing as celebrating a time when Scotland's independence was so resoundingly asserted.