Whuppity Scoorie Day
Whuppity Scoorie | |
---|---|
Observed by | Inhabitants of Lanark, Scotland |
Type | Cultural tradition |
Celebrations | Run around a church, gifts (coins), storytelling |
Begins | 1 March |
Ends | 7 March |
Frequency | Annual |
Whuppity Scoorie is a traditional festival dating from the early 19th century observed by people in Lanark, Scotland, on 1 March to celebrate the approach of spring. Local children gather around the local St Nicholas kirk where at 6 pm the wee bell is rung. This is the starting sign for the children to run around the church in a clockwise[1] direction, making noise and swinging paper balls on strings above their heads as they run.[2] It is no longer a race for safety reasons[3][4] and to increase fairness for the younger participants.[5] After three laps, they scramble for coins thrown by members of the Community Council who host the event.[6] The Community Council also hosts a "Whuppity Scoorie Storytelling Festival"[2] and art workshops after the event until 7 March.[7]
Origins
While the origins of Whuppity Scoorie are unknown, there are several theories which try to explain how the ancient custom evolved. The most common theory is that Whuppity Scoorie came from a festival that was intended to celebrate spring and frighten off winter or evil spirits. Others believe it marks the time when days got longer allowing curfews to be lifted or changed so children could play outside longer.[2] Another theory connects the event with an ancient religious penance in which the penitents were whipped three times round the church and afterwards "scoored" – washed – in the nearby River Clyde, but the burgh and kirk session records make no mention of such punishments.[1] The celebration could also have been instituted to remember the murder of William Wallace's wife.[8]
The tradition was first mentioned in a local newspaper,
References
- ^ a b Archibald, Paul. "Whuppity Scoorie – Origins" (PDF). Royal Burgh of Lanark Museum Trust. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
- ^ a b c Duncan, Chik J. "Whuppity Scoorie Day". Bella Online. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
- Newsround Online. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
- ^ "BBC filming Whuppity Scoorie". Lanark Today. 28 February 2007. Retrieved 6 March 2007. (also gives full names of Newsround reporters)
- ^ Wallace, Andrew. "Lanark Events – Whuppity Scoorie". Wallace in Lanark. William Wallace Heritage Trust. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
- ^ "Lanark". GENUKI. 29 December 2004. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
- Evening Times. 11 February 2004. p. 15.
- ^ "Artificial Intelligence: Whuppity Scoorie". The Scotsman. 28 February 2003. pp. S2. Retrieved 6 March 2007.
- ^ Wallace, Andrew. "Lanark Events – Whuppity Scoorie (details)". Wallace in Lanark. William Wallace Heritage Trust. Retrieved 6 March 2007.