The tension between patriotism and nationalism has been apparent for years; whereby patriotism is showing love and pride for one’s country, and nationalism is a strive for political independence and separatism. In some cases, the two appear to be inextricably linked, but Scotland proves that traditions don’t have to become political weapons.
Having lived in Edinburgh for over a year now, it’s fascinating to see how effortlessly Scottish culture is present in the life of the city. Bagpipes play along the Royal Mile, ceilidhs are frequently attended, and kilts are worn as casually as tracksuits.
What’s incredible about such traditions is that they’ve not fossilised but evolved. They’ve adapted and expanded to cater to an increasing multiculturality, while still harbouring their heritage. Take ceilidhs for instance: they used to be practiced through courting and marriage events. Despite this becoming more outdated, the dancing and live folk music are now more commonly arranged by schools, universities, and other organisations —with the spontaneous ones being the best!
This evolution of practice allows many to get involved and keeps the culture alive by harbouring and encouraging global curiosity.
The regular wearing of kilts further highlights the commonality of the Scots’ appreciation of their country’s traditions. At Murrayfield last Sunday, I saw more kilts than seats, they’re a great ceilidh outfit, and are also worn at formal events. This is a stark contrast to the German dirndls and lederhosen only worn at Oktoberfest.
Scotland harbours its traditions to signal belonging, not boundary-making. Compare this to the US, where the adoption of the US flag by the Continental Congress in 1777 and introduction of the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892, essentially enshrined US patriotism in its national policy. The overhang is seen in Trump’s “America first” policy, which just reads more like an uninviting doormat. Similarly, China’s patriotic education campaign portrays China’s Nationalist vision to young students, highlighting the strong interlink of patriotism and nationalism.
Scotland, meanwhile, dances and jigs through its national identity, where patriotism is party invite rather than a political weapon.
Image by Ulia Makoveeva for The Student
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Patriotism Without Nationalism
The tension between patriotism and nationalism has been apparent for years; whereby patriotism is showing love and pride for one’s country, and nationalism is a strive for political independence and separatism. In some cases, the two appear to be inextricably linked, but Scotland proves that traditions don’t have to become political weapons.
Having lived in Edinburgh for over a year now, it’s fascinating to see how effortlessly Scottish culture is present in the life of the city. Bagpipes play along the Royal Mile, ceilidhs are frequently attended, and kilts are worn as casually as tracksuits.
What’s incredible about such traditions is that they’ve not fossilised but evolved. They’ve adapted and expanded to cater to an increasing multiculturality, while still harbouring their heritage. Take ceilidhs for instance: they used to be practiced through courting and marriage events. Despite this becoming more outdated, the dancing and live folk music are now more commonly arranged by schools, universities, and other organisations —with the spontaneous ones being the best!
This evolution of practice allows many to get involved and keeps the culture alive by harbouring and encouraging global curiosity.
The regular wearing of kilts further highlights the commonality of the Scots’ appreciation of their country’s traditions. At Murrayfield last Sunday, I saw more kilts than seats, they’re a great ceilidh outfit, and are also worn at formal events. This is a stark contrast to the German dirndls and lederhosen only worn at Oktoberfest.
Scotland harbours its traditions to signal belonging, not boundary-making. Compare this to the US, where the adoption of the US flag by the Continental Congress in 1777 and introduction of the Pledge of Allegiance in 1892, essentially enshrined US patriotism in its national policy. The overhang is seen in Trump’s “America first” policy, which just reads more like an uninviting doormat. Similarly, China’s patriotic education campaign portrays China’s Nationalist vision to young students, highlighting the strong interlink of patriotism and nationalism.
Scotland, meanwhile, dances and jigs through its national identity, where patriotism is party invite rather than a political weapon.
Image by Ulia Makoveeva for The Student
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