On the 6th of April, we would normally be parading down 6th Avenue to commemorate National Tartan Day, however this year due to Easter Weekend landing on that same week, New York Tartan Week will be celebrating a week later. So today we bring you our favourite ways to celebrate from home instead.
Why We Celebrate National Tartan Day
We celebrate National Tartan Day on the 6th of April every year. This date is very special as it is the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath. The Declaration of Arbroath was a letter written in 1320 (700 years ago) by the noble men and women of the kingdom of Scotland, asking the Pope to recognise Scotland's independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king.
The Declaration of Arbroath provided the foundation for the Declaration of Independence which was later signed in America by the 13 United States on July 4th 1776 declaring the US free of British Rule. We have an entire blog dedicated to this famous document written by Emily Yule, a Stirling University history student on placement with us if you want to learn more.
In 1998 the U.S. Senate chose April 6th as National Tartan Day to recognize the contributions made by Scottish-Americans to the United States. The very first parade was held in 1999 and only 100 people marched! Since then it has grown and grown, when ScotlandShop marched for the very first time in 2019, Grand Marshal Billy Connolly led a procession of over 3,000 people.
It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.
How To Celebrate At Home:
What to Wear:
Something tartan of course!
If ever there was a perfect opportunity to dig out your tartan
If you’re lacking fashion inspiration or wondering which tartan accessories would be best to wear for such an occasion, then you’re in luck as we are official stockists of the New York Tartan Day Parade Tartan merchandise, which includes everything from ties to t-shirts, brooches and more.
The Virtual Parade:
Back in 2020, the Tartan Day parade went virtual for the first time due to the coronavirus restrictions so this could be the perfect time to get a trial run for the big day with another virtual one! Make sure and post all of your pictures and videos, and tag us on social media with #ScotlandShop and #NYCTW. You can even get your pets involved with a make your own?
How to create your own Tartan Day Photobooth:
You can have fun at home by making your very own Tartan Day Photo booth. Why not try making your own backdrop using a Tartan Rug, creating your own Scottish drawing or even using some Tartan Ribbon and some garden cane to create a ribbon curtain?
How To Make A Ribbon Backdrop:
1. Cut ribbon in to four foot strips and fold 2 inches of ribbon over the dowel
2. Pinch the ribbon and secure with a twist tie
3. Flatten the twist tie so ribbon is as flat as possible. Repeat until your dowel is full.
One of our very talented team members has created some fabulous Scottish Photo booth Props, for you to print and cut out. She has already coloured some for you, but if you're up to the challenge and feeling creative there are some blank ones too. You'll need some scissors, tape and some sticks, straws or pencils to stick your props to.
Why not make yourself a tartan flag using your colourful Tartan Designs from last week?
Download our Photobooth Props Activity Sheet >
Don't forget to tag your photos #NYCTW & #ScotlandShop, we can't wait to see what you come up with!
