Kirking of the Tartan

The "Kirking of the Tartan" was observed this past Sunday at Saxe Gotha and it was a very, very special service. When Amazing Grace was sung accompanied with all the bagpipes and drums I doubt there were many dry eyes in the congregation.
Being the dummy that I am I did not have a clue what this was all about until I did a little research on the subject - the following is what I discovered:

LEGEND OF THE KIRKIN' O' THE TARTAN

The Kirkin' o' the Tartan tradition is an old Highland one. After the defeat of the Scots by the English in 1746, the wearing of the tartan and the keeping of any Highland ways or culture was forbidden in hopes this would forever subdue the rebellious Scottish spirit. However, as the Scots were fervent Christians, and canny as well, they clung to their ancient traditions by putting them underground. The Kirkin' was an important part of this in that one Sunday a year, the populace went to church wearing a concealed piece of the tartan and, at a certain moment set aside in the service, the tartan was touched while the minister pronounced a blessing on all tartans and the Scots once more pledged their loyalty and respect for their old traditions.

If you ever get an opportunity to attend a service where Kirking of the Tartan is taking place you will be blessed.