National Tartan Day, on April 6, celebrates the contributions of Scottish Americans to the United States. Many Americans have Scottish ancestry, and Scottish immigrants and their descendants have shaped American history, from the founding era to science, industry and the arts. The day takes its name from tartan, the colorful woven pattern associated with Scotland and its clans, and features parades, pipe bands, Highland dancing and kilts.
History of National Tartan Day
The date April 6 marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, a letter written in 1320 by Scottish nobles to Pope John XXII. It asserted Scotland's independence from England and is considered one of the most important documents in Scottish history. Some historians and Scottish American groups have suggested it influenced ideas found in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, though this connection is debated.
Tartan, a woven cloth with crisscrossed stripes in multiple colors, has been worn in Scotland for centuries. In the 1800s, specific tartans came to be associated with particular clans and families. After a 1746 law banned Highland dress following the Jacobite rising, the ban was lifted in 1782, and tartan later became a proud symbol of Scottish identity.
In the United States, Tartan Day grew from Scottish American organizations. In 1998, the U.S. Senate passed Resolution 155 recognizing April 6 as National Tartan Day. The House of Representatives passed a similar resolution in 2005, and in 2008, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation. New York City's Tartan Day Parade is one of the largest celebrations.
Why National Tartan Day Matters
Millions of Americans have Scottish or Scots-Irish ancestry. The day helps them connect with their family history and culture.
It also highlights Scottish contributions to American life, including inventors like Alexander Graham Bell and naturalist John Muir.
How to Celebrate National Tartan Day
- Wear tartan: put on a kilt, scarf or tie in your family's tartan.
- Attend a parade: join a Tartan Day parade or Highland games.
- Listen to bagpipes: enjoy traditional pipe band music.
- Try Scottish food: make shortbread, scones or Scotch broth.
- Research your roots: look up Scottish family names and clans.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, invite employees to wear tartan or share stories about their heritage, and bring in Scottish shortbread for a team treat. In classrooms, students can learn about the Declaration of Arbroath and compare it with the U.S. Declaration of Independence, research famous Scottish Americans, or design their own tartan patterns on graph paper. At home, families can bake shortbread, listen to bagpipe music, watch a Highland games video, or research their family tree. If there is a Scottish heritage society or Highland games nearby, check its event calendar.
Fun Facts About National Tartan Day
- The Declaration of Arbroath was written in 1320.
- Highland dress was banned in 1746 and the ban was lifted in 1782.
- Inventor Alexander Graham Bell and naturalist John Muir were born in Scotland.
National Tartan Day FAQs
When is National Tartan Day?
National Tartan Day is April 6.
Why April 6?
It marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.
What is a tartan?
A woven pattern of crisscrossing colored stripes associated with Scotland and its clans.
When did the U.S. recognize Tartan Day?
The Senate recognized it in 1998; a presidential proclamation followed in 2008.