Ceilidh

A Ceilidh is a traditional Scottish social dance gathering.

A Ceilidh, according to the Carmina Gadelica, has the following definition,
“The 'ceilidh' is a literary entertainment where stories and tales, poems and ballads, are rehearsed and recited, and songs are sung, conundrums are put, proverbs are quoted, and many other literary matters are related and discussed.” In modern times this definition would be somewhat altered, as a Ceilidh has taken a role more akin, yet more civilized, to a nightclub. Although, it still retains a certain Gaelic element in both its choice of music and dances.

Typically, many villages would hold a Ceilidh on a Friday or Saturday night in their town hall. This is apparently common for rural communities, especially in a areas with strong percentages of Gaelic speakers. To a certain extent this tradition is enjoying a rise in popularity throughout all areas of Scotland, and in fact the rest of the British Isles.

Although it must be said that a modern Ceilidh is far from a set and regimented affair. There seems to be no thoroughly set or followed protocol in regards as to what a modern Ceilidh entails. The largest variations seem to be the dress code of the event, which has been seen to range from completely informal to a strict adherence to traditional Highland Dress, including kilts. The range of music played also seems to vary from one event to another, with some opting to mix traditional Scottish music with pop songs, while others choose a more traditional fare of only Scottish music interjected with Gaelic language readings and recitals.