Tradition or Sectarian?

Living in the West of Scotland has many benefits. The rugged countryside and heights of the mountains and Munros can be impressive and breathtaking. In good weather there are few places I would rather be! Except this weekend! There will be crowds in the thousands, dressed in red, white and blue, flocking to Inverclyde, to march, play the pipes, drums and flutes (actually piccolos). I am sure it will be a grand spectacle for marchers and supporters. I hope it stays peaceful and trouble free.


My concern is what brings them all here, from all over the UK and North America. It is a march to celebrate and relive a battle fought and won over 300 years ago in Ireland. The Orange Order has many followers across the world, many who are well intentioned and sincere in recognising their own 'tradition'. (That happens to be a convenient word to help describe a lifestyle which is not in keeping with today's society). This parade can also be described as 'sectarian'! There is a strong Irish influence in the West of Scotland, and other places in the UK, where many Irish immigrants put their roots down when they come from their homeland to settle in the mainland of the UK. I know, because my Dad was one of those who came to Scotland in the 1940's in search of work, and in so doing he met his wife, and stayed and raised his family in the same town! He taught us to keep a healthy distance from the Irish marching bands! He was a wise man.


The Irish influence has been great, and these same Irishmen helped build our roads, bridges and railways. Their effect on the UK economy would be impossible to calculate. However, the Irish influence has also caused problems. Religious differences run deep. Very deep, and often led to bitter fighting between the religious divide of Catholic and Protestant, sometimes within families as young men and women chose their life's partner in the communities where they settled. Anyone who lived through the 1950s onwards will recognise and have memories, some very sad, of that time of division.


The good news is that the Nation of Ireland has come a long way, and now embraces a peace process where Protestants and Catholics can live and work together in harmony. I suppose my question, and yes even worry, is why do we need to perpetuate the separation and celebrate the differences which caused so much trouble in Ireland, and around the UK? I like the thought of marching bands and music coming to Inverclyde, but not at the expense of progress in the fight against religious intolerance and prejudice.


To make this argument balanced, I do not think we can ignore the same effects achieved by the AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernians) who also have their equal, but opposite religious persuasion, with their own marching bands of green, white and gold, and who add to the whole mix of intolerance. Their own tradition goes back more than 300 years! We cannot continue to live in the past of 300 and more years ago. Surely, we will have to let go sometime? And come to think of it, maybe we will have to find that common ground to help us, should our combined traditions need it, to stand against another ideology and religious force! That may be closer than you think. What do you think of the idea of a united marching band, in say colours of green and blue? Now that I could handle!