Kirkin' of the Tartans 2025 What is a Kirkin' of the Tartans? The ceremony of the Kirkin' of the Tartans is of American origin, though based on Scottish history and of legend. "Kirking" is from the Scottish Gaelic word "kirk," which means "church." In this usage, it means "blessing." Tartans are the traditional plaid emblems of Scottish clans represented in unevenly spaced colored lines. Taken together, it means blessing of the clans or families, each represented by a tartan. It's a moment in ou