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The Highland Games are traditional Scottish athletic events that showcase strength, skill, and culture. They originated in the 11th century as a way to test the skills of Highland clansmen for military purposes. Today, the games are held throughout Scotland and in many other countries with Scottish heritage. The main events include caber tossing, stone putting, hammer throwing, and tug-of-war. Highland dancing and bagpipe competitions are also common. The games attract both participants and spectators from around the world, promoting Scottish culture and providing a platform for athletes to demonstrate their abilities.
Are you a competitive person? Many individuals enjoy engaging in fun and healthy competitions. This is why humans have been organizing sporting events for thousands of years. You may be familiar with the Olympic Games, where athletes compete in various sports. However, today’s Wonder is an event that provides ordinary individuals with the same opportunity – the Highland Games!
The Highland Games consist of a variety of events. Among them are track and field games and dancing competitions. Additionally, the Highland Games are deeply rooted in Scottish tradition and are never complete without the accompaniment of bagpipe music!
Where did the Highland Games originate? They first began in Ireland around 2000 B.C.E. As people migrated, the games traveled with them to Scotland. In 1040 C.E., Malcolm III, the King of Scots, organized the Highland Games in Braemar, Scotland. He utilized the competitions as a means to select soldiers.
Today, the largest Highland Games event is still held in Braemar. However, other events take place throughout Scotland. The tradition has also been carried by Scottish immigrants to other regions, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where Highland Games events can be found.
What exactly are the competitions at the Highland Games? One example is the caber toss, where competitors lift and throw a heavy log. The winner is determined by how straight their throw is. Another event is the hammer throw, where individuals spin in circles and then throw a heavy hammer as far as they can.
Highland Games events often include shot put as well. This is a competition in which participants attempt to throw a large stone as far as possible. Weight for height is another popular event, where competitors toss a heavy object over a raised bar.
Of course, no Highland Games event would be complete without tug-of-war. Teams consisting of eight members line up on opposite sides of a long rope and pull, aiming to drag the other team across the centerline.
Highland Games frequently feature both individual and team dance events. Dancers dressed in kilts perform traditional dances while accompanied by the music of bagpipes. They showcase dances such as the sword dance or Highland fling.
However, the Highland Games are not exclusively for competitors. The events also serve as social gatherings, where people come together to watch the games, enjoy the sounds of bagpipes, and spend time with friends and neighbors. It is not uncommon for large Highland Games gatherings to attract thousands of attendees.
Would you be interested in attending the Highland Games? Would you participate in the tug-of-war competition? Do you have what it takes to dominate the dance floor? Perhaps you would prefer to relax with your family and listen to the music. Either way, this ancient Scottish tradition has something to offer for everyone.
Try It Out
Find an adult who can assist you in continuing your learning journey by engaging in one or more of the activities listed below:
- If you want to know more about Highland dancing, you can read about it. Are you interested in learning this type of dance? What did you find out about Highland dancing that was interesting? Write a letter or email to a friend or family member and share what you learned.
- To learn more about the caber toss and hammer throw, you can read about them. How are these games similar? How are they different? If you had to choose, which one would you rather compete in? Why? Discuss what you learned with a friend or family member.
- You can organize your own Highland Games event! What competitions would you include? Will there be music? Invite your friends and family for a fun day of dancing and tug-of-war. You can even plan an award ceremony for the winners. Enjoy!
References
- https://www.scotland.org/events/highland-games/about-highland-games (accessed on 23 Dec. 2019)
- https://www.transceltic.com/scottish/history-of-highland-games (accessed on 23 Dec. 2019)
- https://www.scotland.org/events/highland-games/highland-games-traditions (accessed on 23 Dec. 2019)
- https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/highland-games/ (accessed on 23 Dec. 2019)
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