National Tartan Day
About National Tartan Day
When is National Tartan Day? This holiday is always celebrated on April 6
National Tartan Day celebrates Scottish heritage and the distinct “tartan” pattern, which is commonly seen in clothing and many other items. When we see this tartan pattern, we think of Scotland, bagpipes, kilts, and other things “Scottish”. On this day in day in 1320, the Scottish Declaration of Independence was signed. You can see people in this attire playing the bagpipes at parades, funerals and many other celebrations.
Let’s Celebrate! You can do so, by watching or participating in a parade. New York City and many other cities hold Tartan Day parades. You can also listen to Scottish bagpipes. Perhaps the most fun of all is dressing in a Kilt. (Is it true what they don’t wear under there!?)
Did You Know? The United States Declaration of Independence was modeled after the Scottish Declaration of Independence.
How to Celebrate National Tartan Day
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate National Tartan Day:
- Listen to Scottish bagpipes.
- Dress in a traditional Scottish tartan kilt.
- Learn how to play the bagpipes. Doesn’t that sound like fun!?
- Attend a Tartan Day parade.
Today's Quote
“Anything you have to acquire a taste for was not meant to be eaten.” – – Eddie Murphy
History and Origin of National Tartan Day
On April 6, 1320, officials signed the Scottish Declaration of Independence.
In 1982, then-mayor Ed Koch, declared a Tartan Day celebration and parade. This precursor to today’s Tartan Day was held on July 1st. This one-time celebration commemorates the date of the repeal of the Act of Proscription in Scotland. This law prohibited the wearing and use of Tartan patterns and Highland dress!
In 1986 Canada proclaimed April 6th as Tartan Day.
The U.S. Senate passed a resolution on March 20, 1998, proclaiming April 6th to be National Tartan Day.
Ths Day in History
Besides National Tartan Day, here are some other things that happened on April 6:
- The first modern Olympic games open in Athens, Greece. (1896)
- Twinkies hit the market. The first Twinkies were banana-filled. (1930)
- James D. Watson, biochemist, co-discovered the structure of DNA, was born on this day in 1928.
More April 6 Holidays
Here are more April 6 holidays you surely will enjoy:
Plan Your Epitaph Day – a little morbid if you ask me
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in April. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous April Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for National Tartan Day or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Flower of the Day: Snow Crocus
Recipe of the Day: Lima Beans in Sour Cream
Holiday Insights, where every day in April is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to National Tartan Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. What’s more, many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. April holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.