Speaking as someone that comes from the states but has worked and lived here for coming up on 18 years I completely agree! It's NOT trick or treat it's guising. It's not pumpkins it's neeps (or the older Scots word, if you like). Tradition does not have to be lost because some shop has brought in cheap goods or some t.v. station airs a different cultural approach. Read your history. It's rich, it's interesting and, for those of you that have the time to look into Scottish Enlightenment, it's one of the foundations of liberty and libertarianism.
Originally a festival for the dead, marking of the new year and rejected by other religions, cultures and peoples. Guising didn't have the "Trick" element of force or coercion.
I remember when I was a laddie and my brother and I went out guisin. My mother insisted that we knocked on the door and when answered we both had to say 'Please me we act aglochious' (spelling is probably way out!)
You had to ask permission first and had to entertain before you got any sweets or nuts.
Not that I'd ever make a habit of agreeing with anyone fae Govan... but! Aye, clicking the link gives those on the outside of Glesga a good idea of whay my personal response would be.
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Hahaha, sounds about right.
Speaking as someone that comes from the states but has worked and lived here for coming up on 18 years I completely agree! It's NOT trick or treat it's guising. It's not pumpkins it's neeps (or the older Scots word, if you like). Tradition does not have to be lost because some shop has brought in cheap goods or some t.v. station airs a different cultural approach. Read your history. It's rich, it's interesting and, for those of you that have the time to look into Scottish Enlightenment, it's one of the foundations of liberty and libertarianism.
Indeed Steve. Have a look at a traditional 'tumshie' lantern. (Tumshie is a scots word for turnip. A turnip is what the English would call a swede).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/1800222297_ff632d97b2_m.jpg
Here are but a few reads...
(note the Pictish (former Scots) references beginning to be lost.
http://www.scottishradiance.com/halstory.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trick-or-treating
http://www.rampantscotland.com/know/blknow_halloween.htm
Originally a festival for the dead, marking of the new year and rejected by other religions, cultures and peoples. Guising didn't have the "Trick" element of force or coercion.
Now which is more scary... the pumpkin or this???
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Traditional_Irish_halloween_Jack-o%27-lantern.jpg
I remember when I was a laddie and my brother and I went out guisin. My mother insisted that we knocked on the door and when answered we both had to say 'Please me we act aglochious' (spelling is probably way out!)
You had to ask permission first and had to entertain before you got any sweets or nuts.
Not that I'd ever make a habit of agreeing with anyone fae Govan... but! Aye, clicking the link gives those on the outside of Glesga a good idea of whay my personal response would be.
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