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Highland Games
Highland
games, a symbol of Scottish culture and representation, are festivals
that are conducted throughout the year in Scotland as well as in other
parts of the world, where Scots, by lineage or birth, have settled. The
Highland games have their origin in the 11th century when
Scotland's King Malcolm III urged contestants to participate in a foot
race, in order to recruit the most perfect men at arms for his army.
Initially, the games were held at the summit of Craig Choinnich. The
athlete events that form the focal point of the events were actually
developed to test the performers' accuracy, agility, stamina, and
strength.
The first
modern Highland games were conducted at Lord Gwydir's Perthshire Estate,
in Scotland, in 1819. The prime competitions held during this time were
athletics, piping, and dancing, and prizes were given to the best
performers in such events as Highland reels and the ancient Scotch sword
dance and piping. Later, it became more popular when Queen Victoria
developed a special interest for Scotland, its people and its culture.
As a result, highland games became one of the favorite pastimes for the
Queen. From 1849, she allowed these games to be conducted at Braemer
Castle, and which are conducted there to this day.
It is now
estimated that every year more than 500 Highland games are conducted
around the world, of which more that 175 are held in the United States.
The largest as well as the most spectacular Highland games in the world
is the Cowal Highland Gathering – also known as the Cowal Games.
Conducted in Dunoon, Scotland, every August. The Cowal games draw more
than 3,500 competitors and around 10,000 spectators from across the
globe.
Another
popular set of Highland games is the Clanloddoch Games and Gathering,
which is held in Strathdon, every August. Also of special significance
are Highland games conducted in Inverness every summer, attracting a
large number of Scottish highlanders as well as tourists. A few among
the highland games held in the US are the Capital District Scottish
games conducted annually in Almont, New York; Seaside Highland games
conducted in California; and Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
conducted in North Carolina.
The prime
attraction of Highland games is the Scottish highlanders, which are
considered the descendants of several Celtic people, such as the Scotti,
the Picts, and Gaels. They celebrate their heritage by wearing kilts or
traditional clothes. Among the athletic competitions are the caber,
throwing the hammer, the shot putt, tug-of-war, weight throw, and sheaf
toss. Mostly, high school as well as college track and field athletes
participate in these events. Perhaps one of the most memorable events in
the Highland games are a series of events related to music, of which
most noteworthy is bagpipe music. Equally important is different types
of drumming and piping competitions. Harp circles, fiddling, and the
Celtic bands also form highlights of musical events.
Prominent
of the dance events are traditional dances such as Scottish country
dancing and highland dancing. Scottish country dancing takes after
ballroom dancing. On the other hand, Highland dancing is a technical
form of dance, and is mostly performed solo. Highland dancing is held in
accordance with standardized steps and rules put forward by the Scottish
Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD). Highland dancing is
classified into traditional highland dances and national dances. Some of
the traditional highland dances are the Seann Triubhas, Sword Dance, and
the Highland Reel. The Flora MacDonald, Blue Bonnets, and Scottish Lilt
are among the national dances. Apart from these events, a variety of
other events and activities are also now included in highland games,
like traditional feats of Armories, herding dog trials, and the
showcasing of several modern as well as traditional Celtic arts. One can
also shop a range of traditional Scottish items during this event.
Highland
games entertain both men and women, young and old. Furthermore, they are
an excellent way to explore and learn about the Scottish culture and
heritage.
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