You and your family might have a current home, but it’s unlikely to be the only home that you have had in your history, especially if you live in the United States, and depending on when your ancestors came to the country, there’s a high chance that you have a European background.
One of the most common old countries is Scotland, with some 20 – 25 million Americans having Scottish ancestry. If you’re one of them, then there are good reasons to feel proud. After all, Scotland is one of the most picturesque and culturally strong countries on the planet.
And you don’t have to just be proud from afar. Your Scottish ancestry can be something that you practice just as much as you admire. In this post, we’ll run through some of the best ways to celebrate your background.
Trace Your Lineage
You might know that your family came from Scotland, but do you know from which part, who they were, and why and when they decided to make the journey to the United States? If not, then you’ll likely have a lot of fun figuring it out! Tracing your ancestry is also easier than ever, with websites such as Findmypast.com and Ancestry.com making getting started as straightforward as can be.
Give it a try — once you’ve dug up a couple of details, you’ll find that you’re eager to uncover more.
Embrace Traditional Scottish Clothing
Scottish clothing can be highly fashionable, but you’re not just wearing traditional clothing for the aesthetic. You’re doing it because it’s an awesome way to showcase your identity!
There are Scottish outfits for all occasions, too. A great kilt can be a showstopper at a wedding or formal dinner, and is also appropriate for celebrating Scottish holidays (more on those below). For everyday wear, look at incorporating tartan patterns — such as a tartan scarf — into your outfits. It’s a classy, low-key way to carry your heritage with you.
Celebrate Scottish Holidays
Celebrating Scottish holidays doesn’t just allow you to embrace your heritage; it also allows you to showcase it to others, including your family. The major Scottish holidays are Burns Night, St. Andrew’s Day, and Hogmanay, all of which have their own cultures and traditions. If you’re just beginning your journey into your Scottish history, then read up and start celebrating them in your own small way. After you’ve been celebrating them for many years, you’ll be surprised at how integral they’ve become to your family.
Take a Trip to Scotland
There are plenty of types of vacations you can take, but there’s none that can quite compare to paying a visit to the land of your ancestors. It can feel less like a getaway, more like a homecoming, especially if you’ve researched where your ancestors came from and are able to take a trip to their specific towns. But don’t worry if you don’t have that information — even just being in the country, taking in the sights, sounds, and people, can be a wonderfully emotional moment.
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