Bagpipe Appreciation Day

Bagpipe Appreciation Day is celebrated every year on July 27th. The holiday is dedicated to one of the oldest musical instruments – the bagpipe. For more than a thousand years of history, the bagpipe has become part of the culture of Scotland, it is used during weddings, funerals, events of national importance, and military battles.

The History

Despite the fact that the bagpipe is associated with Scotland, the culture and identity of this country, it did not originate here. For the first time, the bagpipe was used by shepherds in Mesopotamia, located in the Middle East, while the cattle peacefully plucked the grass in the field, they played the instrument. There is also a version that the bagpipe existed in ancient Egypt, however, there are no supporting facts. Archaeologists have unearthed Hittite rock art dating back to 1000 BC, which supposedly depicted a bagpipe.

According to one version, the Hittites traded with the Egyptians, which is probably how the bagpipe came to Egypt, then to the Roman Empire. The English admired the musical instrument and it quickly became popular when the Romans invaded Britain in the 5th century. In Scotland, bagpipes appeared in the middle of the 16th century, they were used in the battle of Pinky. By the 18th century, bagpipes had become part of Scottish history.

Interesting Facts

• The bagpipe belongs to the category of woodwind instruments.
• The bagpipe made a real sensation in England, in other countries the instrument did not become so popular.
• The regions of England where the best bagpipes were produced are Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lancashire.
• In Scotland, bagpipes were used on the battlefield to communicate between soldiers (the sound of the instrument spreads over 10 miles), using sound signals they transmitted information about the advances, movements and retreats of troops.
• The bagpipe was played before battle to inspire soldiers.
• There is a huge variety of bagpipes, but the Great Highland is recognized as the most popular.

How to celebrate

Visit events that are held in honor of the instrument, read books about the bagpipe, plunge into history. You can also visit the museum dedicated to the history of the bagpipe, where you will be told about the cultural significance of the instrument. Take some bagpipe lessons, it’s very exciting.

When is Bagpipe Appreciation Day celebrated in 2022?

Bagpipe Appreciation Day is observed on July 27 each year.

Observations