Fiery Cross or “Crann Tara”
In sixteenth century Scotland there was rarely peace in the Highlands due to feuding between the different clans, and the people lived in constant fear of attacks by raiding parties. When word of an impending attack was received, the fighting men were summoned by the chief to a fixed meeting point at which they could muster their forces ready for battle. The method used was a dual relay system in which word was sent out using two men running in different directions, and passed from one community to another by fresh runners to ensure maximum speed.
The cross, being a holy emblem, was revered by the Catholic highland clans. For speed, it would be small enough to be carried in one hand. A light wood, usually yew or hazel, would be formed into a cross, set on fire then extinguished, giving us the name Fiery Cross or “Crann Tara”. Some clans would dip the ends into goat’s blood, others tying bloodstained cloth to it. The significance of this was the threat of what would befall those who did not immediately answer the call, this being seen as betrayal of the clan and its chief. No excuses would be tolerated, and any coward who did not respond would bring shame on his community.
In his epic poem, “The Lady Of The Lake”, Sir Walter Scott leaves us in no doubt about how seriously this was taken.
When flits this Cross from man to man,
Vich-Alpine's summons to his clan,
Burst be the ear that fails to heed!
Palsied the foot that shuns to speed!
May ravens tear the careless eyes,
Wolves make the coward heart their prize!
As sinks that blood-stream in the earth,
So may his heart's-blood drench his hearth!
As dies in hissing gore the spark,
Quench thou his light, Destruction dark!
And be the grace to him denied,
Bought by this sign to all beside!
The last recorded use of this was in 1820 when the clan Grant were summoned to Elgin and over 800 men gathered to the aid of their chief.
Now that we have relative peace and no longer gather to march to war, the Fiery Cross is viewed as a symbol of loyalty to one another, and of gathering together in friendship.
