We learned some Gaelic words and a Gaelic milling song that we sang while milling a blanket. The Great Kilt demonstration showed us how a man would dress himself in the 1600's with 9 yards of material. This collage shows the process, beginning with the top center photo and moving clockwise:
1. Lay the material on the ground and pleat it (place leather belt under material)
2. Leave it flat on both sides of pleats
3. Lay down in the center
4. Fold one side on top of you, then fold other side on top. Gather belt ends and cinch
5. Stand up. Gather bottoms of hanging material in back
6. Pull up over shoulders.
Many times the man will pull across 1 shoulder and tie.
Remember, the man will do this by himself, every morning!!
We had a demonstration of the bagpipe, learning about how it's made, and played.
We then attended a Lunchtime Céilidh where we not only had a yummy meal but also Celtic music and dancing! The fiddler had everyone in the audience tapping their feet.
As we drove along the Cabot Trail we admired these beautiful views!
We will continue our travel along the Cabot Trail to the west side of Cape Breton. This month is festival time and we hope to have lots of opportunities to hear Celtic music 🎶.
