The History of Bagpipes
What would give anyone the idea to put some sticks into an animals stomach and blow on them?? A hornpipe-like instrument was the first of its sort, but it is unclear when the bag was attached. Similar instruments were used in the Middle East long before the birth of Christ. They have been an important aspect of Scottish life since Medieval times.
In 400 BC, Ancient Greeks used bagpipes made with man's best friend. That's right, a dog skin bag with bones for chanters!!! Emperor Nero was said to have played the pipes as Rome burned. Starting in the second millennium, bagpipes start frequenting many artists canvas’ and we began to see more written information as well.
It is also said that the pipes were present at the famed Battle of Bannockburn in Scotland in 1314. For over 1000 years, the pipes have been associated with the Celtic race.
Although the Great Highland Bagpipes are the most common in the world, there are actually over 30 varieties in many different countries. Since their history was first studied in the 18th century, the bagpipes' distinct sound and appearance has become recognizable throughout the world.
Bagpipes, did you know?
· The trumpet was the instrument of the Roman cavalry, and the bagpipe was used by the Roman infantry
· The original pipes in Scotland only had one drone attached. It wasn’t until the1500’s that a second was added, and the 1700’s until the third drone was added.
· Queen Victoria was the first monarch to have her own personal piper. She requested her own after her trip to Scotland in 1842.
· The Brazilians call the bagpipe gaita de foles, which is Portuguese for "screams of the tortured monkey".
· Bagpipes were originally made out of bog oak. Bog oak would have been buried deep in peat bogs, and the wood is hardened and preserved for up to thousands of years due to the bog conditions.
| Sincerely, Rauncie Kinnaird Kinnaird Bagpipes |
| Email: r.k@sasktel.net Phone: 306-249-2939 Website: http://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com |
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