If you’re hosting a Celtic party anytime soon, we will throw out an idea that is sure to be a hit. At your next party, consider sprinkling in some Celtic traditions. Trust me; you’ll thank us.
There is so much more to Celtic festivals than haggis and wearing tartan. However, both, of course, should be part of your epic bash.
Many Celtic traditions date back centuries. They are steeped in legend and show off the vibrant spirit that the Celtics possess. We’re going to focus on the Scottish part of the Celtic culture, but Celtic life reaches Ireland and Wales.
If you are intrigued by this or want to know more about Celtic culture, stop by our site today! We will have some mince and tatties waiting for you.
Celtic Party Games
Should your next shindig occur outdoors between May and September, sprinkle in some Highland Games. There are over 80 to choose from, but don’t get your kilt in a bunch just yet. We found some that are perfect for outdoor parties.
Haggis hurling is our first choice and perhaps the most fun. Its origins come from the 1700s and women throwing haggis to their husbands for lunch when they worked across a river.
Nowadays, we don’t need to chuck haggis with each other. Instead, we celebrate this Celtic tradition with professional haggis throwing for charity at the Highland Games. Get this: there are professional haggis hurlers!
If you have a whisky barrel and are ready to fight for bragging rights, the rules are below.
The rules of Haggis Hurling
- Haggis must be made traditionally and judged
- Hurlers stand on a whisky barrel
- The skin of the haggis must be intact after landing
- Distance and accuracy will count
If you’re worried about how to get haggis, we have you covered. We proudly carry canned haggis as well as provide delicious recipes. Our personal favorite is the haggis kit. You can make haggis when and how you want.
We cannot confirm that the haggis you make will be up to hurling regulation. We can, however, guarantee that it is delicious and fun to make.
If playing with your food isn’t your thing, how about a good old fashioned game of Tug o’ War? All you’ll need is a rope and a few of your best friends. It makes for great fun and is a test of strength.
In case you’re not familiar, Tug o’ War is played with two teams holding either side of a long rope. Typically, a flag is placed in the middle of the said rope to see who is pulling hardest. The winners will pull their end of the rope to a certain point to win.
Bonus points in making this a true Celtic tradition if you wear a kilt or play over mud.
Bòrd Buffet
The Gaelic word for a buffet for a party is a bòrd buffet. We have dug up some delicious ideas to make your buffet one for the books.
Tablet is a trendy candy in Scotland and is comparable to fudge. Typically flavored with vanilla or whisky, this treat is made with sugar, condensed milk, and butter. The difference from fudge is that it is grainier and more firm.
Like haggis hurling, tablet dates back to the early 1700s, though it probably originated earlier than that.
Mince and tatties is a great sharable dish for your guests. It consists of minced meat and mashed potatoes—jazz it up with gravy or veggies of your choice.
It is delightful comfort food that can be enjoyed with family or at a Celtic party.
To wash everything down, serve your guests Irn Bru (pronounced Iron Brew). The carbonated beverage is wildly popular in the motherland. More so than Coca Cola even. Irn Bru is orange and is made with a secret recipe of 32 ingredients.
Serve your guests their beverage of choice in mugs and glasses decorated with a Celtic flair. We proudly ship internationally from our shop.
Celtic Traditions
There would be no Celtic parties without the Celtic festival Hogmanay.
At midnight on New Years’ Eve, people ring bells and take their party to the streets. Also, fireworks light up the sky. The boom brings in the new year while you surround yourself with those you love.
It is also customary to gather in a circle and cross arms while singing “Auld Lang Syne” with your friends and family. Robert Burns wrote this tune as a poem in 1788. Now, it is set to the tune of a Scottish folk song.
No matter where you are on New Years’, you are sure to hear this song once the clock strikes midnight.
Celtic society, in general, revolves around family and community. This tradition is a clear representation of those values.
From Our Family to Yours
If you are looking for a Celtic party experience, don’t forget your kilt and official Outlander gear. After all, your clan should look their absolute best at your Celtic celebration.
We also offer home decor, jewelry t-shirts, and so much more to get you in touch with our beautiful heritage.
Although located in Minnesota, we have a passion for Scottish, Irish, and Welsh traditions. These beautiful ways of life have endured centuries, and we feel it our duty to carry that on accurately.
We do this by offering as many tartan patterns as possible made out of the finest fabrics. Give our Tartan finder a gander to find the Tartan needed. If you can’t find the one you want, let us know, and we will do our best to get it for you.
No matter the celebration you are having, we hope to help you make it a dream come true. We provide kilts for kids, Celtic wedding supplies, and so much more to ensure your clan has the best time possible.
Visit our site today to get started and enjoy the Celtic cultures. Whether that is having a traditional Celtic wedding or Scottish gear, our blog and shop are here for you.
