What is a ceilidh?

One question that we are often asked by people who have never been to a ceilidh before is, what is a ceilidh? Can you help us explain?

Google and AI can help to a degree: Ceilidhs began as informal gatherings where neighbours of all ages would get together in someone’s home to tell stories, sing and catch up on the local gossip. Music and dancing grew in importance from the 19th century and ceilidhs gradually moved from private houses to village halls as they became larger. Modern ceilidhs feature live folk music and Scottish dancing as the main attraction.

 

The important role of ceilidhs in Scottish culture is explored in a short video from Strathnaver Museum, on the north coast of Scotland.

 

For Scots, it can feel like ceilidhs are in our DNA. We just know instinctively what they are, based on repeated exposure; whether it be a school Christmas dance, a friend’s wedding, a village ceilidh, a Hogmanay party, a student end of term bash, a rugby club do or one of many other occasions.

 

Mention the word ceilidh and Scots will recall the music, the dancing, the banter and any high jinks that may have taken place. Ceilidhs are an experience to many, a feeling if you will. But how to describe this feeling to those that have never been before; the uninitiated?

 

The easiest way would be to bring them along to this year’s Autumn Ceilidh . 

 

How would you describe a ceilidh to family, friends and colleagues that have never been before?  What is the nearest equivalent that they could relate to?

 

It would be great if you could share your thoughts, memories, pictures and even videos of ceilidhs on our Facebook or Instagram pages to help explain what a ceilidh is to the uninitiated.

 

So, what does a ceilidh mean to you?