Today as I came in to my office I was wearing something a little bit unusual. My normal office attire was supplemented by my Scottish tartan 'plaid' over the left shoulder, pinned in place by a brooch, showing the crest of the Gunn clan of which the Mann family is a sept (allied).
Photo from "Sportkilt.com"
A great source of kilts and accessories!
A 'plaid', by the way, is not what we today would think of when we say something like 'a plaid shirt', a criss-cross pattern of colored lines. 'Plaid' is the word used in Scorland for 'blanket'. It is usually done in the clan tartan, but does not have to be. In olden days it was literally a blanket matching the kilt and thrown over the left shoulder; in VERY olden days it was attached portion of the kilt which was left over when the kilt was put on. Modern versions are smaller and more symbolic than practical.
Why did I choose to do this today? Today is January 25, the birthday of the national poet of Scotland, Robert Burns. Traditionally those of Scottish lineage would celebrate the day by a special dinner in the evening, and oftentimes would wear their kilt or other Scottish attire during the day. My plaid and brooch are my nod to my Scottish roots.
This nod to my roots is something which we as Christians should take to heart. There are many days we could celebrate as Christians and in a Christian manner. There is obviously Chrismas, and Easter. Thanksgiving, along with some lesser known days such as Reformation Sunday, Pentecost Sunday and Ash Wednesday.
Perhaps, even more so today, we should focus on celebrating our Christian faith and our history on the ordinary days. This last Christmas my wife gave me a ring for my right hand which features a prominent cross on a shield. That ring sets me apart, reminds me of my heritage and inspires questions from people around me.
What heritage are you celebrating? Do you celebrate Jesus Christ as your Saviour every day, or just on special days?
"This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance." Exodus 12:14 (NIV)
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