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History
History
The Gaels are the people who speak Gaelic, understand and take part in Gaelic culture. Most Nova Scotia Gaels can trace their families back to people that came from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to Nova Scotia between the years 1773 and 1850. They tended to settle together with other family members and neighbours from "The Old Country" so that they could share similar traditions and be surrounded by people they knew.
Why did the Gaels come to Nova Scotia?
Why did the Gaels come to Nova Scotia?
Most Gaels in Scotland did not own their own land, but instead rented land from a landlord. Many who could not afford to pay rent worked for the landlord as servants.
In Nova Scotia, Gaels would not have to pay rent for the lands they lived and worked on. In some cases, land was given to them for free (if they agreed to cut down some of the forest and keep a farm). In other cases, people were given a certain amount of time to raise the money to purchase the land from the government.
Land was very important to the Gaels. Very few of them could own their own land in Scotland. The Gaels found it difficult to raise enough crops to feed themselves, let alone cover the cost of rent.
In certain cases, some Gaels were forcibly removed from their lands by landowners who thought they could make more money from sheep farming than rents collected from their tenants. This process of removing people from their lands in the Highlands and Islands is known as the Clearances. Almost all the tenants from Strathglass were removed from their land in 1801 and replaced with sheep. Many of these people were Chisholms who settled in Antigonish County.
Milling Frolic
Milling Frolic
(luadhadh)
During a traditional milling frolic participants sing and move the cloth in rhythm while passing to the person beside them. This helps to tighten the weave to create a blanket.
photo by https://gaeliccollege.eduCulture
Culture
The Gaelic Culture of Nova Scotia & Cape Breton
The Gaelic Culture of Nova Scotia & Cape Breton
Gaelic, a Celtic language and its rich culture have helped shape Nova Scotia's identity. Centuries ago, Gaelic speaking immigrants from both Ireland and Scotland came by the tens of thousands and made Nova Scotia their home. In both instances, these settlers called themselves Gàidheil (ones who speak Gaelic). The Gaelic language and culture of these early settlers is commonly referred to as Nova Scotia Gaelic and is part of daily living in the province. Fiddle and pipe music and Gaelic songs provide a rich musical experience. Dance, storytelling, local history and customs are part of community living. The famous "kitchen party", often referred to as a "céilidh" ("a visit") is a common occurrence and is a great way to share language, song, music, dance and story.
To experience Nova Scotia Gaelic culture, attend a féis (festival), luadhadh (a milling frolic), bogadh (an immersion) or pick up a Gaelic dictionary to learn more about this rich language. Visit www.gov.ns.ca/oga and www.gaelic.ca for further information on Nova Scotia Gaelic.
To participate in a Scottish cultural experience, wear a kilt, enjoy the skirl of the bagpipes from a marching band and see the cabar being tossed at one of the province's Highland Games events.
https://www.novascotia.com/explore/culture/celtic-gaelic-culture
Bodhrán & Cipín
Bodhrán & Cipín
Handheld drums called a bodhrán & a stick called a cipín are often used to play music at a Ceilidh.
Bagpipes
Bagpipes
Bagpipes are a traditional instument and unique form of music played by the Gaels.
Language
Language
By 1850, Scottish Gaelic was the third most spoken language in Canada after English and French. In 1890, Cape Breton native Thomas Robert MacInnes introduced a bill that would allow the use of Gaelic in Parliament. He was unfortunately defeated.
The Gaelic alphabet has 19 letters (including 'h'). Originally, each letter was represented by a tree, so the alphabet went like this: Birch, Rowan, Fern, Oak...Before we had the letters we use today, the Gaels carved lines in stone, each jutting out of a main line like branches on a tree.
https://museum.novascotia.ca/resources/gaels/who-are-gaels
Learn Gaelic- Speaking Our Language - beginner lessons in conversational Gaelic
Folk Song by Julie Fowlis - "A ghaoil, leig dhachaigh gum mhàthair mi " Love let me home to my mother performed by Julie Fowlis. Taken from Julie’s fourth studio album, this hypnotic and mysterious song tells the tale of a young girls’ encounter with the ‘each-uisge’ or water-horse. (taken from site)
Children's Songs and Rhymes in Gaelic - Mama Lisa's World has familiar songs and rhymes in Gaelic
Gaelic Singing Games for Children -The Bi Sunndach agus Seinn music book contains 34 songs, rhymes and games which are designed to engage and stimulate children of all abilities.
Alphabet song - English and Scottish Gaelic - The Alphabet Song (Òran an Aibidil) by Babyboomboom
Text Resources
Text Resources
A Fiddle for Angus by Budge Wilson
Skippers Save the Stone written and illustrated by Caroline Stellings
Following the Path: The MacCallum House 1798 by James O. St. Clair
The Malagawatch Mice And the Cat who Disxoered America Written by Caroline Stellings
The Malagawatch Mice and the Church that Sailed Written & Illustrated by Caroline Stellings
Heartsong by Maxine Trottier
Around the Year with the Malagawatch Mice Written & Illustrated by Caroline Stellings
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