2015 Program - The Pipes of Christmas

The
ipes of
Christmas
TheP
Pipes
of Christmas
17th Anniversary, 1999 - 2015
Proudly presented by the Clan Currie Society.
In America’s Oldest CELTIC City
St AuguStine, FloridA, uSA
MArch 11 - 13, 2016
Arguably the finest collaboration of
Celtic artists in the United States
Celtic Music, Dancing, Vendors & Food.
Scottish Highland Games, St. Patrick Day Parade
2016 SACF Pipes of Christmas Ad Final.indd 1
12/3/15 11:28:44 PM
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The Clan Currie Society proudly presents
The
ipes of
Christmas!
The P
Pipes
of Christmas
The 17th Annual Production of
Sponsored by
Edinburgh Napier University
The Grand Summit Hotel
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
New York City
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Central Presbyterian Church
Summit, NJ
There will be one fifteen-minute intermission.
Please turn off all cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices.
The taking of photographs and the use of recording equipment is strictly prohibited.
The 2015 edition of the Pipes of Christmas is lovingly
dedicated to the memory of
Sir James Horner
Jean Ritchie
Evelyn Margaret Currie
Kenneth Bruce Clare
Austen McDonach
And
Drum Major Philip Thompson
The NYPD Emerald Society Pipe Band
The Clan Currie Society gratefully acknowledges the generous support of
Central Presbyterian Church
Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church
Celtic Life Magazine
The Classic Malts of Scotland
Grgich Hills Estate Wines
Walkers Shortbread
J. McLaughlin
Suburban Chamber of Commerce
HomeTowne Television
Vineyard Vines
The perfect place to go
before or after the
“Pipes of Christmas” Concert
Located just around the
Corner of Springfield Ave and
Kent place Blvd. Summit, NJ
908-277-4224
Welcome
Welcome
Home to
the Pipes of
Christmas
A Joyous Performance That Invokes the
True Meaning of Christmas
For many, the Pipes of Christmas has become an integral part of their holiday season. This
annual tradition, performed in New York City and Summit, New Jersey, features the triumphant
sounds of bagpipes, brass, drums and organ, as well as the soothing sounds of the harp, fiddle,
acoustic guitar and flute. These are all woven together with Scottish, Irish and Welsh stories
told and sung in English, Gaelic and old Scots dialects.
The 17th annual performance pays tribute to late film composer Sir James Horner, who
composed over a 100 films and received two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards
over his brilliant career. His body of work includes the scores for ‘Braveheart,’ ‘Titanic,’ ‘A
Beautiful Mind,’ and ‘Field of Dreams.’ To honour his legacy for bringing Celtic music to a
broader audience, three ‘Braveheart’ cast members -- Mhairi Calvey, James Robinson, and
Andrew Weir – reunite to perform in The Pipes of Christmas.
The magical holiday concert also features the world premier of a new work composed
by James Hind of Edinburgh, Scotland. A music student at Edinburgh Napier University,
Hind is the 2015 recipient of the Alexander McCall Smith composition contest
at Edinburgh Napier University.
The Pipes of Christmas not only invokes the true holiday spirit, it also instils the true meaning
of giving this time of year. To honour that holiday spirit, the Clan Currie Society would like
to show their appreciation by recognizing Mark Giangiulio, General Manager of The Grand
Summit Hotel with the second annual Angel Award. For more than 15 years Mr. Giangiulio
continues to generously support the concert. These “Angels” allow us to present our celebration
in glorious settings, and to fund scholarships and educational programs that foster the study of
Celtic music and culture at universities and colleges in the United States, Canada and Scotland.
Named one of New York City’s “Top Ten” holiday events, the concert is made possible
by a generous gift from Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland, and the
Grand Summit Hotel in Summit, NJ. An experience that has become a tradition for many
can be a special event for anyone.
We hope you enjoy the Pipes of Christmas from year to year as it solidifies
its place as a time-honoured family tradition.
Honorary
Chairman’s
Welcome.
Honorary
If asked who my heroes were when I was young, James Horner’s name would have been on
a very short list of film composers whose work I absolutely adored. Horner’s rich orchestral
writing and thematic development ignited my imagination.As I grew, so did my understanding
of his music. “Braveheart” struck me more than any other score ever had. The unique
combination of lyrical bagpipes, lush orchestration and contemporary synthesis spoke to
me on a fundamental level. Horner’s music is unpredictable harmonically, rich texturally,
and satisfying melodically. He knew what the audience wanted, and when to give it to them.
Ultimately, there is no higher praise one can give a film composer.
Years later, I moved to Los Angeles and found the opportunity to write music of my own. I
was a little star-struck working with “Braveheart” bagpiper Eric Rigler, on my own scores to
“BattlestarGalactica,” “Black Sails” and many more. This year, I brought Eric into the studio to
record my Scottish-influenced score for the STARZ hit series “Outlander.” This project allowed
me to fully indulge in my love of Celtic music, and bring it once again into the popular culture
mainstream. “Outlander” owes a debt to the blast of inspiration given to me by “Braveheart,”
twenty years ago.
I am obviously not alone in remembering the music of James Horner.The Clan Currie Society
honors his memory with their performances tonight, and honors his legacy by providing
scholarships and commissions to the next generation of young composers.
Bear McCreary
December, 2015
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Salutes The Pipes of Christmas for their
International Scholarship Program
Congratulations on your milestone
17th anniversary concerts!
Founded in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh’s
International Award is the world’s leading youth-led,
adult-guided, achievement oriented program for
young people aged 14 -24.
222 Broadway, 19th Floor
New York, New York 10038
www.dofeusanyma.org
Céud Mile Fáilte
Fáilte
As an Honorary Chair of the Pipes of Christmas 2015, it gives me great pleasure to
welcome you to these concerts in Summit, New Jersey and New York City.
Celtic Life International represents a global community for a living, breathing Celtic
culture of music, language, travel, history, heritage and much more. As a hub for the
world’s Celtic peoples, we strive to preserve and promote the customs of our common
ancestry, particularly amongst our youth. And it is the power and passion of these
traditions that propels us - and them - forward into the future.
The Clan Currie Society understands the importance of preserving this rich cultural
legacy. They can be proud of their determination to make this a world-class event.
They are doing their part to preserve our Celtic Heritage and traditions; the numerous
Scholarships to assist our youth, the annual Tartan Day on Ellis Island event, the
yearly MacMhuirich Academic Symposium, and the work of Clan Currie International
are the beneficiaries of the tireless efforts of Bob and Suzanne. To them we say, “Thank
you”.
On behalf of Celtic Life International, my wife Cabrini, and my children Hector,
Alison, Meaghan and Sheena, I wish you all a peaceful Holiday Season and a happy
and prosperous New Year.
Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna Mhath Ur
Enjoy and May God Bless!
Angus M. Macquarrie, Publisher
www.celticlife.com
Investors Savings
May the peace and joy of the holiday
season be with you throughout the
coming year.
Summit Branch • 908.273.8150
Roza Nedelkova, Vice President, Market Manager
393 Springfield Avenue • Summit, NJ
myinvestorsbank.com
Member FDIC
Q&A with
Bob Currie
Though quick to defer credit,
“The Pipes of Christmas” founder
and organizer Bob Currie isn’t shy
to share about one his Clan’s many
signature events.
What inspired you to create The Pipes of Christmas?
The Clan Currie Society had been producing a very popular Kirking of the Tartans service for
several years. In the early ‘90’s when I discovered PM Kevin Blandford’s beautiful CDs entitled,
“The Pipes of Christmas” and “Amazing Grace,” I immediately signed Blandford to bring his
exceptional piping and arranging skills to our Kirking services. Over time, Blandford and I
pondered what a live concert version of his Christmas CD might look and sound like. Building
on that CD, we moved away from the annual Kirking service and debuted the re-imagined “live”
“Pipes of Christmas” concert on December 11, 1999. I expanded Blandford’s repertoire to go
beyond just pipe, organ and brass and added clàrsach, fiddle, uilleann pipes, guitar and cello.
The presentation was extremely well received. Our first concert attracted over 800 for a hall that
could only seat 700. It was incredible!
Are they the same reasons you continue to put it together each year?
We are blessed with a very loyal audience that I suspect would be upset if we didn’t bring the
“Pipes” back every year. It truly has become part of their Christmas tradition and we take that
endorsement very seriously. Christmas is a time of giving and in that spirit, we are fortunate to
be able to use concert proceeds to bestow a number of annual music and history scholarships at
many leading institutions including the Gaelic College in Nova Scotia, the Royal Conservatoire
of Scotland and the National Piping Centre, both in Glasgow, Edinburgh Napier University in
Edinburgh, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye and Lyon College in Arkansas. We’ve also used
the concert as a platform to showcase new composers and aim towards having at least one or
two new compositions debut each year. We also use the concert as one of our many platforms to
showcase the Gaelic language through some truly lovely Gaelic carols. We donate tickets to local
charities so they can be used in their own fundraising efforts. To date we’ve supported over 20
deserving non-profits in this manner like the American Red Cross, the British Soldiers Fund
and the Children’s Aid Society of New York.
Baob Currie
Q&A
What are the challenges involved?
Like any major annual arts event, I suspect we share some the same challenges as other largescale programs. Securing sponsors can be a challenge during tough economic times and ticket
prices alone don’t provide all the funding we require. Over the years we’ve been blessed with
some wonderful sponsors that have contributed greatly to our success while also ensuring that
we can maintain our high production standards. This year, we are delighted to have as our Title
Sponsors, Edinburgh Napier University and the Grand Summit Hotel with additional support
from Investors Bank, Walkers Shortbread and the Classic Malts of Scotland. We are so grateful
for their support! We like to vary the program from year to year (while keeping our core intact).
This means you’ll likely find me listening to Christmas music starting in February each year.
We’re also always on the look for new artists and composers to showcase.
What are the rewards?
The rewards are substantial and inspiring. The audience reaction to this program keeps me
energized and engaged. For some, the concert becomes their Christmas celebration, opting
to gather family and friends for “Pipes” before they travel back to their respective homes just
a week later for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. One patron just purchased a block of 75
(yes, that’s not a typo – 75!) tickets for his entire family! There is a strong Sacred element to
our concert. Hearing “O Come All Ye Faithful” performed on pipe, organ and brass is nothing
short of majestic. Contrasted with “Silent Night” sung in Scots Gaelic accompanied by clàrsach,
fiddle and guitar, is soul stirring. One patron described the concert as his vision for what the
“finest Christmas Eve service would look and sound like at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh.”
We also recently released our first CD, “The Best of the Pipes of Christmas.” This CD, featuring
some of our absolute best musical moments from 1999-2012 has already sold over a thousand
copies. Of course, the other great reward for me personally is the opportunity to work with
some truly outstanding performers. In addition to the Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe
Band from Redlands, CA, we also host Gaelic Mod champion clàrsach performer Jennifer Port
from Golspie, Scotland, guitarist/composer Steve Gibb (now on Broadway with “Jersey Boys”)
originally from Inverness, Scotland, concert violinist and three-time New England fiddle
champion Paul Woodiel, uilleann piper Christopher Layer and one of the leading interpreters of
Scottish Country Dance music, Susie Petrov as well as an entire company of top music industry
professionals. This year we also get to host a reunion of actors from Mel Gibson’s Academy
Award winning film, “Braveheart” as well. I am honored and humbled to have this wonderful
ensemble perform for our audiences year after year. The concert’s narration, masterfully written
and delivered by Susan Porterfield Currie is the glue that connects the musical selections and
brings insight into the holiday traditions of Scotland, Ireland and Wales, further enhanced by
our outstanding Readers. Beyond that, I must admit that receiving a standing ovation for our
debut concert in NYC (at the end of the first act, no less!) was especially rewarding. Before he
passed away from cancer at the much too early age of 40 in 2003, Pipe Major Blandford and I
had always wondered how the Big Apple would respond to the concert. Sadly, Kevin didn’t live
to see this, but I’m certain he was there with us in spirit on that first NY performance. We’ve
since been named as one of New York’s “Top Ten” holiday events.
What is the event’s core mandate, and who does it benefit?
Our principal mandate is to produce a world-class concert event which honors our Celtic
heritage and faith. Too many events with all the best intentions can fall victim to the doctrine
of “good enough.” Quite the opposite, we constantly strive to be the best we can be. You
never know who may be experiencing their Celtic heritage for the first time at “The Pipes of
Christmas.” We have an obligation to strive for excellence in all that we do. The same is true for
our commitment to educational scholarships and our special events and sponsorships.
Baob Currie
Q&A
If we don’t do all we can to protect and preserve our heritage, who will? So our audiences
remain our primary responsibility. In addition to operating as a traditional clan society, the
Clan Currie Society is also an international arts organization. We honor our clan’s Bardic
roots. Clan Currie (or Clan MacMhuirich as they were known in Gaelic) was the pre-eminent
Bardic Dynasty in Scotland for over 700 years. We strive to keep our rich arts tradition alive
in everything we do. Through programs like “The Pipes of Christmas,” we get to demonstrate
that commitment and generate a financial base that supports all our programs, which are
intended for the general public as well as for our clans-folk. In addition to the “Pipes” and the
resulting scholarships, we also produce Tartan Day on Ellis Island (one of the anchor programs
of NY Tartan Week,) an annual Academic Symposium, and a number of Scottish harp events
from coast-to-coast. In fact, we are the Title Sponsor for the Scottish Harp Society of America’s
national championship. We also sponsor the Young Gaelic Writer’s Literature Award at the Royal
National Mod – Scotland’s national Gaelic competition. We keep pretty busy.
Who attends the event?
I’m always amazed to see where our audience hails from. When we first started in 1999, we
generally drew from central New Jersey with occasional visitors from New York, Pennsylvania
and Delaware - especially as the word got out. Since moving to Manhattan, we’ve added all five
boroughs of NYC, along with Long Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Since NYC is an
international travel destination, especially during the magical holiday season, we now play host
to patrons from quite literally all around the world.
What can audiences expect this year?
For our 17th anniversary, we’re delighted to be debuting two new compositions as well as
the return of many of our audience favorites. One of our anticipated premieres will be a
new composition from a music student studying at Edinburgh Napier University. Through a
generous gift from acclaimed author Alexander McCall Smith, the university has awarded a
cash prize to James Hind of Edinburgh, Scotland. Hind is also the recipient of our inaugural
scholarship for music composition. We’re delighted to have James with us for his premiere in
New York and New Jersey. Last but not least, we are honored to have two wonderful Honorary
Chairs in film and television composer, Bear McCreary best known in our community for his
work on the hit STARZ series “Outlander,” and Marcie Macquarrie, publisher of Celtic Life
magazine. Both gentlemen have illustrious careers and have contributed greatly to the Celtic
community at large.
Why is it an important event for the community?
It’s become a holiday tradition for many, something special to look forward to year after year.
That’s key to celebrating Christmas - gathering together to enjoy this lovely and inspiring
program. It’s also a wonderful introduction to Celtic music performed on traditional
instruments by top-notch performers.
Along with attending, how else can people get involved?
Experiencing the concert is - as the question suggests - the best way to become involved or
engaged with “The Pipes of Christmas.” Many people tell me they buy a block of tickets to give
out as holiday gifts. A great idea! Beyond that, we welcome individual and corporate sponsors
with gifts of any size. Donors can be assured their gifts are being put to good use. The Clan
Currie Society is a registered not-for-profit organization so all donations are tax deductible in
the USA. We also always welcome sweat equity support and have brought on interns interested
in concert management and Celtic heritage for some real hands-on experience. Give us a call!
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Martha
Martha
Hall
A resident of Rancho Cucamonga, California, Martha Hall is the current Pipe Major
of the Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe Band.
What are your roots?
I am a Thai-Mexican-American who fell in love with Celtic music and tradition in high school.
How long have you been piping?
25 years.
What inspired you to start?
I wanted to join the marching band at Upland High School, but I played the oboe which is only
a concert band instrument. So, when a friend told me that I could get bagpipe lessons and join
the marching band, I bought a practice chanter and have been playing ever since.
Are they the same reasons you continue to pipe today?
I continue to play today because I love the unique sound of the pipes. I especially enjoy the
sound that is produced when bagpipes, organ, brass, and stringed instruments play together. It
is because I play the pipes that I get to travel and meet people all over the world.
What kind of pipes do you play?
I play highland bagpipes made by David Naill & Co.
Who were your piping influences, and what are you listening to now from that genre?
The late Pipe Major Kevin Blandford, Ian Whitelaw, Pipe Major Alan Bevan, Matthew
Nonnemacher, and Seamus Coyne. I am currently listening to music performed by Simon
Fraser University Pipe Band, Inveraray & District Pipe Band, and Kevin R. Blandford.
From your perspective, are young people today still interested in piping?
Yes! Young people love the unique sound of the pipes! After all, not even the ear-buds attached
to their digital devices can block out the beautifully loud tones of the bagpipes!
What are your piping plans for 2016?
I will continue adding more piobaireachd (classical bagpipe music) to my repertoire. I plan
on competing in solo bagpiping contests throughout the United States. I will continue to be
the Pipe Major of the Kevin R. Blandford Memorial Pipe Band and travel to a major pipe band
contest in Canada or Scotland. And I look forward to performing at the Clan Currie Society’s
Pipes of Christmas concert in NYC and NJ!
www.blandfordbands.org
The Company
The
Company
Susan Porterfield Currie
Christopher Layer
Paul Woodiel
Susie Petrov
Calum Pasqua
Solid Brass
Doug Haislip, Director
Jennifer Port
Steve Gibb
Sarah Hewitt-Roth
William Peek
James Robinson
Mhairi Calvey
Andrew Weir
Mark Verdino
AND
And
The Kevin Ray Blandford Memorial Pipe Band
Scott Larson, Pipe Major
Musical Director
Jeff Rickard
Executive Producer
Robert Currie
Act One
Act
One
Highland Cathedral
Joy to the World
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Mo Ghaol aig Cheann an t-Saoghal
(Alexander McCall Smith Composition Prize Winner)
Angels We Have Heard on High
I Wonder As I Wander
Amazing Grace
Act Two
Act
Two
A Tribute to Sir James Horner
Arranged by Jeff Rickard
Pipe Band Medley
Hymn to the Saviour
* Program subject to change.
Ann Am Baile Rioghail Dhaibhidh
(Once in David’s Royal City)
Oidhche Shàmhach
(Silent Night)
O Come All Ye Faithful
Scotland the Brave
Mhairi Calvey
Mhairi
Calvey
Two decades after making her big-screen debut opposite
a young William Wallace in Braveheart, Scottish actress
Mhairi Calvey looks back and forges ahead...
All eyes rest upon the bodies of Malcolm and John Wallace…all eyes except for
those of a young girl named Murron. She tenderly gazes at the boy who has
just lost both his father and brother. When the funeral mourners depart, and
William Wallace remains behind to watch the soil shovelled atop his closest kin,
young Murron breaks free from her mother’s grasp. She picks a purple thistle
and hurries to give it to the boy. Their eyes lock, Murron offering silent solace as
William sheds a tear.
It is one of the most memorable scenes from an iconic movie, the five-time Oscar
winning blockbuster, Braveheart. It was Mhairi Calvey, then five years old, who played
the part of young Murron for the film. She had been scouted while going about her day
on the Isle of Arran, a place she still considers home.
“My parents didn’t take me to an audition,” recalls Calvey. “I was spotted by Jina Jay
and Patsy Pollock, the casting directors for the movie. They auditioned me in the school
playground at Pirnmill Primary School in Arran, and a week later I was on set.”
She says it was “luck” that led to the role in the major motion picture, but perhaps, in
fact, it was fate. When most children her age were obsessed with cartoons, Calvey was
watching black and white films. “My mum said from about the age of two she could tell
I was going to be an actress.”
Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Calvey gained valuable experience on
the stage, from theatrical productions to walking the runway at the annual Dressed
to Kilt fashion show in New York City. She trained at York College, before receiving
a full scholarship to attend the Guildford School of Acting, where she completed an
honours degree. Not long after graduation, she became highly sought-after for a series
of independent films.
“My favourite moments are when you are on set at 3 a.m
– it may be freezing temperatures, but you see all these incredible people
around you working hard on creating an amazing project. Passion like
that is infectious.”
In the U.K. horror-romance production Any Minute Now, Calvey played narcoleptic
teen Anna Brooks, a role she received a Best Actor/Actress nomination for from the
BloodGuts U.K. Horror Awards. She played Ruth in Five Pillars, a part that British
director Jon Rosling added to the script when he discovered her talent. She also took on
the role of Anna in the zombie thriller, Virus of the Dead, and Jessica in the short film
Gemini, for which she won a Best Actress prize at the LA Film Festival.
“Most recently I finished filming a movie called Alan,” adds Calvey. “I got to work
with the cameraman Peter Robertson, who filmed that amazing shot in Atonement.
Working with Peter was incredible.”
Another of the actresses’ projects - Abduct - is currently in postproduction, but
already has a significant social media following. The film is a sci-fi thriller, partially
inspired by famous paranormal radio host, Art Bell. Calvey plays Crystal, who is
desperately trying to escape supernatural phenomena and government conspiracy.
Fellow cast members include William B. Davis (The X-files), Sienna Guillory (Resident
Evil) and Mark Arnold (Teen Wolf, Threesome).
Earlier this year, it was announced that Calvey has been cast as Flora MacDonald
for the forthcoming multi-million dollar Scottish epic, The Great Getaway, which
chronicles the life of Bonnie Prince Charlie. A Scottish heroine, Flora MacDonald
helped the prince escape to the Isle of Skye after the Battle of Culloden. 500 extras are
expected to participate in the film’s battle scene.
“This is my dream role and I can’t wait to film it,” Calvey shares about the part - one
that Kristen Stewart had also been in the running for. “When that movie happens it will
be the biggest highlight of my career.”
Calvey is particularly passionate about doing research for her roles. For the part
of Flora she has already spent countless hours reading books and online sources.
“Through the character research, you get to learn things that other people will never get
to discover. I’ve learned so much about history, and because of the films I have already
done, I have learned so much about Scottish history in particular.”
She says acquiring new skills is also an important part of character development. For
different acting projects she’s learned to play guitar, sing and horseback ride. For The
Great Getaway, she has been working on Highland dancing.
A love of acting has kept Calvey persistent in a challenging industry. “You can work
hard to get the job, and after eight auditions, land the part - then you have to hope that
the film gets funding and that it will go ahead. That is very difficult - it’s a little like
gambling.”
While family members and friends have been extremely supportive of her vocation
- watching her films, going to her premieres, and being there when she “falls” - others
have been more cautious.
“My mum has always been supportive,” shares Calvey. “She has never allowed me to
quit anything regardless of how hard it may be. It’s one of the reasons I am still in the
industry today. But some people have told me I haven’t achieved anything in my life,
because I don’t work in an office each day and get a regular annual wage. Being an actor
is a bit like being a secret agent that way - nobody really understands the world you live
in, but they all have opinions about it.”
“I am very ambitious and always will be, regardless of what I want to do.
I don’t believe in being realistic because it leads to mediocrity.
I believe in being a possibility...”
In addition to the upcoming productions she will be working on in Scotland and
elsewhere, Calvey is keeping busy with other projects she’s initiated. One is her Key
Screen Academy, where she provides professional advice to emerging actors on the
business side of the industry.
Another is raising awareness about mental health. Last year, she founded Think
Differently Do Differently, a program that helps those dealing with depression. “I hope
to grow this into a worldwide charity which can help more people.”
One of her dreams is to establish a fund for independent Scottish filmmakers. She
also thinks it would be beneficial to collaborate with other artists to work towards
growing Scotland’s film industry.
“A lot more films and television series are coming out of Scotland these days, which
is wonderful, as there are many talented artists who are finally getting the recognition
they deserve. I hope it continues to grow, and I hope to be a part of that growth.
Personally, I would love to do more productions in Scotland - and not just ones where I
act, but where I am involved in the actual production process.”
Although Calvey’s ambition continues towards a variety of professional pursuits,
acting will probably never ‘fade out’. “My love for acting has kept me going through
everything. Nothing makes me feel as happy or alive as when I am on set or stage. I
know it’s where I am meant to be.”
www.mhairicalvey.com
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S
Celtic
Holiday Traditions
According to the longstanding theory, the origins of Christmas stems from pagan winter
festivals. One main reason early Christians were able to spread their religion across Europe
so quickly came from their willingness to embrace celebrations prevalent among regional
populations.
One such example is the Celtic ‘Alban Arthuan,’ a Druidic festival that took place around
December 21st, the Winter Solstice. This traditional fire festival celebrated the re-birth of the
Sun.
Although a celebration of the Son’s birth replaced that of the Sun’s, still a number of Christmastide traditions – including those the ancient Celts practiced – remain today.
As we look at the Celtic nations, it is interesting to note some similarities among Christmas
traditions that cross geographic boundaries. They include, for example: Holly (a symbol of
rebirth among Pagan Celts, but also of hospitality—it was believed fairies sought shelter inside
the evergreen leaves to escape the cold); Mistletoe (believed to have healing powers so strong
that it warded off evil spirits, cured illnesses and even facilitated a truce between enemies); fire
and light (most notably the Yule log or candles placed in windows to light the way for strangers
and symbolically welcoming Mary and Joseph); and door-to-door processions, from wassailing
to Wren Hunts.
Each of the seven nations possesses its own variations of Celtic Christmas customs. Surrounding
cultures and local identify shape theses practices as well.
Scotland
Scotland
Christmas was not officially recognized in Scotland for nearly four centuries. The Puritan English
Parliament banned Christmas in 1647 and it did not become a recognized public holiday in
Scotland until 1958.
However, according to Andrew Halliday, in his 1833 piece Christmas in Scotland, Scots were not
discouraged from celebrating Christmas. Halliday wrote, “We remember it stated in a popular
periodical, one Christmas season not long ago, that Christmas-day was not kept at all in Scotland.
Point View Salutes the Pipes of Christmas
W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T, I N C .
382 Springfield Avenue, Suite 208, Summit, New Jersey 07901
908.598.1717 ● www.ptview.com
David Dietze ● Claire Toth
John Petrides ● Donna St.Amant ● Elaine Phipps
Annette Tucker ● Jeanette Carey ● Christina Gilmartin ● Marcela Garcia
I
Such is not the case; the Scots do keep Christmas-day, and in the same kindly Christian spirit that
we do, though the Presbyterian austerity of their church does not acknowledge it as a religious
festival.”
Halliday’s 19th century account went on to describe festive sowens (sweetened oat gruel)
ceremonies, “beggars” (actually “strapping fellows”) singing yule song, dances and card parties
and children’s teetotum games.
Despite Puritan rule, some long-time Christmas traditions are preserved. These include burning
the Cailleach (a piece of wood carved to look like an old woman’s face or the Spirit of Winter)
to start the new year fresh; or on Christmas Eve burning rowan tree branches to signify the
resolution of any disputes. The Celtic tradition of placing candles in windows was also done in
Scotland to welcome “first footers” (strangers, bearing a small gift) into the home.
Traditional dishes also continue to be featured at Christmas lunch and throughout the holidays,
including Cock-a-Leekie soup, smoked salmon, beef or duck, Clootie dumplings, black buns, sun
cakes, Christmas pudding and Crannachan.
Because Christmas was not an official holiday until the late ‘50s it is no surprise that today, for
some Scots, Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) is the most important event of the season. Arguably,
locals ring in the new year with much more gusto than any other place on the planet.
Ireland
Ireland
A Fall clean-up was a common practice in Irish homes to prepare for Christmas. Women looked
after cleaning the interior, while men took care of the outdoors, including whitewashing all
exterior surfaces. Then holly, grown wild in Ireland, was spread throughout the house with cheer.
Contemporary Ireland also highlights this clean-up ritual; once complete, fresh Christmas linens
are taken out of storage.
Other customs include the Bloc na Nollaig or Christmas Block (the Irish version of the Yule log),
candles in the window (perhaps one for each family member), and leading up to Christmas,
“Calling the Waites,” where musicians would wake up townspeople through serenades and
shouting out the morning hour.
Christmas Eve Mass is still a grand affair, a time for friends and family to reconnect. It is not
uncommon for churchgoers to end up at the local pub after service to ring in Christmas morn.
On Christmas Day, traditional dishes include roast goose or ham and sausages, potatoes (such
as champ), vegetables (such as cabbage with bacon) and plum pudding, whiskey Christmas cake
and barmbrack (currant loaf) for sweets.
Traditionally on December 26th, St. Stephen’s Day, Wren Boys with blackened faces, carrying
a pole with the dead bird pierced at the top, tramped from house to house. Today the custom
sometimes sees children carolling throughout the neighbourhood to raise money for charity. It is
also quite common to go out visiting on this day.
One modern-day Irish tradition to note is gathering around the television to watch the “The Late
Late Toy Show” in late November/early December, said to be the most watched program in Ireland.
Ellen and Chip
Dickson
Congratulate
The Pipes of
Christmas
on its
17th Season in
Summit NJ
December 20th, 2015
Wales
Wales
Dylan Thomas’ story, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, is renowned around the world. An excerpt
offers a glimpse of a traditional Welsh festive season:
“Always on Christmas night there was music. An uncle played the fiddle, a cousin sang ‘Cherry
Ripe,’ and another uncle sang ‘Drake’s Drum.’… Looking through my bedroom window, out into
the moonlight and the unending smoke-colored snow, I could see the lights in the windows of
all the other houses on our hill and hear the music rising from them up the long, steady falling
night.”
Music was and still is a major part of Welsh holidays. Plygain is a Christmas day church service,
traditionally held between 3 and 6 a.m., featuring males singing a capella in three or four-part
harmonies. While today this may be mainly practiced in rural areas, Eisteddfodde (caroling) is
abundantly popular in homes, door-to-door and as part of annual song-writing competitions.
Other intriguing Welsh traditions include toffee making; drinking from a communal wassail
bowl of fruit, spices, sugar and beer; children visiting homes on New Year’s Day looking for their
Callenig gift; and Mary Lwyd (Grey Mare) featuring wassail singers going door-to-door carrying
a horse’s skull and challenging residents to a contest of mocking rhymes.
Isle of Man
Isle of Man
Carolling also holds a special place in Manx Christmas celebrations, but traditionally an
unconventional twist characterized it. On Christmas Eve, large numbers attended church for
Carval. While the congregation sang, all of a sudden women would begin the traditional food
fight, having peas on hand to throw at their male counterparts!
Accounts from the 1700 and 1800s describe 12 days of non-stop Christmas celebrations where
every barn was filled with dancers accompanied by fiddlers the local parish hired. “On the twelfth
day the fiddler lays his head on one of the women’s laps, which posture they look upon as a
kind of oracle,” recorded Reverend John Entick (as published in 1774). “For one of the company
coming up and naming every maiden in the company, asks the fiddler, who shall this or that girl
marry? And whatever he answers it is absolutely depended on as an oracle.”
As in Celtic fashion, Hunting the Wren processions occurred on the Isle of Man and today the
practice is going through a revival, characterized by costumes, singing and dancing.
Other Manx customs include Mollag Bands, wearing eccentric clothing, swinging a mollag
(fishing float) and demanding money (a practice since outlawed); the kissing bush (a more
elaborate ornament than a sprig of mistletoe); and Cammag, a sport that originated on the Isle of
Man traditionally played on December 26th and/or Easter Monday.
Finally, in older times, but even as recently as the early 20th century, Christmas decorations were
not taken down until Pancake Tuesday (when they were burnt under the pancake pan). Now
holiday décor tends to be packed away on Old Christmas (January 6th).
Brittany
Brittany
Brittany boasts a wealth of folklore and supernatural beliefs around Christmas time. Christmas
Eve was known as a night of miraculous apparitions from fairies to korrigans, and at midnight,
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for just a brief moment, waters in the wells would turn into the most sweet-tasting wine. It
was also at midnight, when families were either at mass or in bed, that ghosts would surface;
traditionally food was left out for deceased loved ones just in case they visited.
During the holidays, Christmas markets come alive in many Breton towns vending hand-made
crafts and toys, baked cakes and bread and ingredients for Christmas dinner. You can also
buy Gallette des Rois at stalls, as well as bakeries, which is traditionally eaten on January 6th
(Epiphany). A tiny figurine (the fève) is hidden inside the puff pastry cake; the person who finds
the figurine in their piece gets to be king or queen for the day and wear a crown. Another special
tradition through all of France is a meal after Christmas Eve’s midnight mass, called Réveillon.
Specifically in Britanny, the traditional dish for this occasion is buckwheat crêpes with cream.
Cornwall
Cornwall
As a result of Oliver Cromwell’s government banning Christmas, authentic holiday carols began
to fade through much of Britain. However, throughout the 1800s, Cornish composers and
collectors, sparked a revival of local Christmas song.
“Contrary to the effect Methodism might have had on the English carollers, in Cornwall its
impact was to stimulate song,” states the Cornwall Council (Cornish Christmas Carols – Or Curls,
2011). “In those areas where Methodism was strongest, music and signing had their greatest
appeal, and notably so at Christmas. The singers would practice in chapels and school-rooms,
some of them walking miles to be there.”
Certain carols, well-known around the world, such as Hark the Herald Angels and While
Shepherds, are credited to Cornish origins.
Today, Cornwall erupts in festivals, fairs and markets during the holidays. The Montol Festival
in Penzance (named for Montol Eve on December 21st) is a six-day celebration highlighting
many Cornish traditions. These include Mummers plays, lantern processions, Guise dancing
(participants dressed in masks and costume, such as mock formal dress, to play music and dance).
Montol is also the time for burning the Mock (yule log). A stickman or woman is drawn on the
block of wood with chalk. When the log burns, it symbolizes the death of the old year and birth
of the year to come.
Galocia
Galicia
Galicia has its own, unique Christmas gift-bearer that predates Christianity. He is called
Apalpador, a giant who lives in the mountains. For Christmas, he descends into the villages below
to make sure each child has a full belly. He brings treats, such as chestnuts, and well wishes for
a year full of delicious sustenance. While Apalpador may not be widely observed in Galicia, his
legend is seeing a revival.
Food is very important during the Galician holidays featuring at least two feasts (on Christmas
Eve and Day). Unsurprisingly, seafood is on the menu, such as lobster, prawns, shrimp, sea bass,
and cod with garlic and paprika sauce. Other culinary delights include cured meat, cheese and
bread, roast beef with vegetables and for dessert tarta de Santiago (almond cake), filloas (stuffed
pancakes) and turrones (nougats).
Throughout all of Spain, including Galicia, children anticipate the coming of the Three Kings
or Magis who fill their shoes, left out on Epiphany Eve (January 5th) with gifts. Many Galician
municipalities also host a parade featuring the Kings on January 5th.
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THE IRISH
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A Fond Farewell
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SUMMER
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