jabberwok

So St.Patricks Day is coming up. Great, Wonderful. I am glad I'm not Irish. Actually, it's a fine holiday. But the Irish are not Scots!!! I can't go to a parade or watch one on TV during this time without wanting to do harm to something. Why? you ask, bracing for a rant. Because the have highland pipes and guys in kilts!!! Those aren't Irish, they're Scots. Highland ones at that. The last migration of Celts from Ireland to Scotland was over 1600 yrs ago. Thats enough time to be able to differentiate, no? The Irish weren't kilt-wearers either. For intents and purposes, kilts were an 19th century invention. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to wear mine in my clan tartan, but it is not terribly ancient. But it is not Irish and shouldn't be confused. As for the bagpipes, more properly known as the Great Highland War Pipe, that's just wrong. If you wanted real authentic Irish music, you should have a bunch of people on a float playing the harp. That is Irish. So on this St.Patricks, and all future ones, when you see kilts and bagpipes, remember that is Scotland, not Ireland. In case you were wondering, the Scots have Tartan Day, April 6. There, I'm done. Ach, ah need a wee dram.