Scottish Traditions [Still In Preparation]

The traditions described here have often died out in practice, at least in their fullest expression, but sometimes a residual echo can be detected in modern ceremony where what once was done seriously to ward off evil spirits, for example, now might be done merely out of a sense of fun. Some Scottish traditions were peculiar to a particular area of Scotland while others were more generally held, even if there were regional variations in the exact form. Many of these traditions have their origins in Celtic pre-Christian practices, which were subsequently often partly adopted, with a Christian veneer, by the early Church which realised that it was easier to convert people to Christianity if they did not have to discard their previous practices. In later centuries the Church actively discouraged traditions that it viewed as heathen, but with limited success. People did not want to displease the old gods 'just in case'.

Marriage

Marriage was one of those events which gave a community a good excuse for a big celebration. In past times, when life for most people was pretty grim and the Church preached hellfire and damnation, it was a relief to have some fun. Of course, it was a major step for anyone to take since divorce was not an option and so there developed strategies for the cautious.

'Handfasting' was a custom whereby a couple could undergo what amounted to a trial marriage. They made a declaration in front of a witness that if marriage did not take place within a certain time then both parties were free to look elsewhere for partners. Sometimes there were penalties specified in the declaration should the man not go through with the marriage. Should the couple separate with a child on the way or even having been born, the father was responsible for its support and no stigma attached to the woman or the child who was regarded as legitimate as a child born in wedlock.

Another arrangement which might be regarded as trial marriage is the concept of the 'common-law' marriage. Here if a couple live together for several years and are regarded by those who know them as living as husband and wife, then they have the same inheritance rights as a legally married couple. They are married by 'habit and repute'.

Traditionally the bride's father paid for the cost of the wedding celebrations but for a lot of the population who could not afford to do that, there was the concept of the 'penny wedding'. In this case the guests each made a contribution. The church were constantly wringing their hands over 'penny weddings' because of the drinking, music, and worst of all, dancing which occurred.

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