Full Mackintosh
Page 29
Erse or Eireann (air awn) is the Irish language.
Gaels and the Scots followed the Celtic calendar. An agrarian society, they lived off the land and closely followed the undulating change of seasons, celebrating each one.
• Candlemas February 1 or 11 celebrated Christ’s presentation at Temple
• Whitsunday May 1 or 11 celebrated Pentecost
• Lammas August 1 or 11 celebrated first fruit harvest
• Martinmas November 1 or 11End of harvest and St. Martin’s feast
The actual dates vary by historian but generally fell on the first or middle of the month. The calendar changed in the 19th century.
The great hall was the communal gathering place for festivals, daily meals, and entertaining visitors. The council met in the hall, sometimes in a private room. Everyone in attendance went well-armed.
Handfasting is cohabitative betrothal. They may refrain from sex during the term of the betrothal, or not, depending on the contract. If, at the end of the term, usually a year, either party wanted out they were free to leave.
The definition of ken is yes, understand, or see. “I ken your ways.” Past tense is kent or kenned.
A kertch is a headscarf. The type of daily head-covering indicated whether a woman was married or maiden.
A kirtle is a sleeveless cover, worn over the primary dress or a sheath. It can be linen for summer or wool or hair fiber for warmth in the winter. Much like a pinafore, it buttons in front.
Laird means lord.
A leine (lane) is a man’s long-tailed linen shirt.
A loch is a lake. There are many small tributaries off the lochs. A lochan is a smaller version of a loch.
A sennight is a week, a fortnight two weeks. A summer accounts for a year of life.
Stays is a corset, worn on the trunk of a woman’s body, stiffened with whale bone, and laced up to boost the bosom. An interesting historical fact; prostitutes were called ‘loose women’ because they did not wear stays, to save time dressing and undressing. A relaxed version, think sports bra, was made of leather and called jumps.
The Chattan was a large confederation of clans, a state unto itself. The power and influence the Lord of the Chattan held was widespread. However, if any chief failed to take care of his clan, he could be voted out or killed to remove him from power.
The head of a clan had many names like The Mackintosh, laird, milord or, my favorite, Himself.
The Lord of the Chattan reigned over a large number of major and minor clans.
The hierarchy of the council followed; chieftain, tacksman (taxman), minor chieftains.
The Highlanders occupied the mountainous regions and northern Scotland.
The Lowlanders occupied the plains, generally along the border with England, and lower coasts. Control of the shires or counties along the borders were hotly disputed resulting in frequent skirmishes between Scotland and England.
While each chieftain was head of his own clan, i.e.; The Macpherson, The MacGregor, he fell under the ultimate authority of the Laird of the Chattan who ruled at the pleasure of the council.
Tir na nÓg (tier nah nahg) is a Celtic term meaning faerie place or faerie spooked. The fae were different than fairies. Fae tormented men’s souls, constantly devising ways to trick them, even taking them hostage for a night of fun. When the man returned, he’d find a hundred years passed and all his folks were gone.
Trews are men’s trousers, knee breeches.
Dedication
Full Mackintosh is dedicated to my friend, of 37 years and counting, Kay Solomon Hicks. Thank you for your love, encouragement, and support. After so many years, we’re beyond words.
Acknowledgements
Cover art, Castle Eilean Donan, courtesy of luxuryproperty.com
A special thanks to the Mackintosh clan for permission to use their official clan symbol.
Thank you, G.L. Francis, for the fairy tale, “Feathered Years”, from Under Every Moon.
Clan Map of Scotland
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Glossary of terms for Scottish books
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Clan Map of Scotland
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Glossary of terms for Scottish books
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Clan Map of Scotland