This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wlH.2ACIB/199
Message Board Post:
Most of us have excepted that our Carruth (general spelling) family came from Scotland, at
least as far back as we can find record of. They may have gone to Ireland before moving
elsewhere around the world, but still came from Scotland.
With Tartan Day passing, I wanted to point to a website concerning the, "The
Declaration of Arboath," written apparently on the date used for Tartan Day. The
website is:
http://www.tartanday.gov.uk/arbroath.html
It is noted at this website that, "The Declaration is a letter from the earls and
barons of Scotland to the Pope, asking him to recognise Scotland's independence and
acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king." The declaration was
written at a time of great struggle for the Scottish people and is quite interesting to
read.
In relation to tartans, I would like to point to another website noting there earliest
written description and the later popularization of, "the notion that certain tartans
have belonged to specific clans since ancient times." This website is:
http://www.scottishtartans.org/museum.html
The family history sites that try to sell the us our official family history, will sell
the same history for a good size group of like sounding surnames. They will do the same
for a coat of arms, etc., and will also try to sell you an official tartan that belonged
to the surname of your choice. Additionally, the grouping of like sounding names may link
the buyer to a particular clan name that may not be accurate. I add this information for
those that have not read much on this subject. Decide for yourself.
However, with all that said, I believe it is the spirit of what you believe concerning the
heritage of wearing the tartan and wanting to show your Scottish roots. While I do not
have one of these myself, I have always enjoyed having a new colorful flannel shirt.
Maybe it is the Scottish roots coming out in me ( :>)
Best Wishes All