Religious Song in Gaelic Scotland
christianity in gaelic scotland
religious song
modern interpretations
orality and christianity
christianity in culture
pre-christian connections
psalm singing
hymns
christian feeling
ancient, non-literate society
held in highest reverence
aspects preserved and reproduced in song
MacInnes - relgion = christianity
need not be limited
beliefs in larger religious consciousness
church has contributed to cultural identity
centre until WWII
pervaded all culture
praise & protection
1903 Crofter's Commission
low music rising to heaven
MacInnes - mountains, sea, human voices blend
content seems overtly Christian
not always so direct
images substituted
preoccupation with continuity
spaces & songs
official religion can coexist
links to pre-Christian beliefs
adapted to Christian universe
worship together, not concert
so special, maintained with rising literacy
reinforce friendship & community r.e. spirituality
family worship
head of household lead the psalm
expected to attend
heard throughout the land
Crofter's Commission 1903
Adhradh Teaghlaich
connection to religion, family, community & nature
c.f. modern spiritual verse
more formal
easier to understand
no resort to man-made hymns
worshipers coming together [c.f. tribal gatherings]
bible not used in church
listen in Latin & not read
increasingly access to bible [latterly gaelic]
more protestant?
changed diocese of the isles
use of nature and beauty of the isles
not sung in Gaelic
christmas carols
ignores private life
Alexander Carmichael
hymns from english speakers
psalms converted into hymns
some freshly composed
praise oriented
celebration of christian actions
restrained c.f. psalm songs
modern renditions
rehearsed
different context
moves for better inclusion
translations
defining categories
spiritual verse
academia v.s. gaidhealtachd