Tattoo
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo
by Brian Radcliffe
Suitable for Whole School (Sec)
Aims
To encourage students to appreciate the skills and spectacle of human performance.
Preparation and materials
- None required
Assembly
- Begin the assembly by making the announcement that, ‘I’m thinking about a tattoo. I’m thinking about one with a Scottish theme. Lots of bagpipes and kilts.’
Ask the question: What do you think?
Pause to allow reactions from the students and listen to some comments. - Point out that most of the students probably thought you were talking about a skin tattoo; but actually you were thinking about the Tattoo, which is held in Edinburgh every August, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- Ask if any of the students have been to the Tattoo or have heard of it.
- Each evening during the first three weeks of August nearly 9,000 people gather to watch a spectacular display in the grounds of Edinburgh Castle. The acts vary from pipe bands, drill and display teams, storytellers, musicians from around the world and the key event, the lone piper high on the walls. Approximately one third of the spectators are from Scotland, one third from the rest of the UK and one third from other parts of the world. They share a fantastic experience.
- ‘Tattoo’ may appear to be a strange name for this event. Apparently, the word comes from a time many centuries ago when the British Army and Navy were stationed in the Netherlands. The Tattoo was the last duty call of the day, the signal for tavern owners to call last orders and send the troops back to base. It comes from a Dutch phrase ‘doe den tap toe’ which means ‘turn off the tap’. That’s why the Tattoo is primarily an evening event. The idea is that it rounds off the day.
- So, what is the purpose of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
It’s primarily a celebration of human skill and precision as represented by the British armed forces. We might have different feelings about the Army, Navy and Air Force as fighting forces. Some of us may prefer to be pacificist, working internationally through diplomacy and economics. However, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, shows the way that military tradition, discipline and strength combine to produce an exhibition of all that is best in solo and teamwork. It allows us to experience musicianship and teamwork that is timed to the split second, incredible power and skill, and the inclusion of the wider international community. An evening at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a time of celebration.
Time for reflection
Let’s consider the question: When do we take time simply to celebrate?
Most of us celebrate birthdays, sports victories, anniversaries etc. But do we ever stop to celebrate who we are and what we have achieved.
Maybe we come closest on School Sports Days or at Presentation events. However, at these events there are many of us who sense that we aren’t among the winners or achievers.
So, let’s spend a little time celebrating excellence.
Let’s think about what we are good at. Let’s not compare ourselves to other people who may get higher grades or run faster. Let’s think about what our best qualities are and be thankful for them.
Maybe we could make a special effort this week to look for the best qualities in our friends and those in our classes, and encourage them in these.
Wouldn’t it be great if we all always looked for the good in each other and actually took the time to point it out! Too often we spend time putting other people down, rather than building them up. A bit of encouragement can go a long way!
Christians believe that people are made in the image of God. This is something that can be celebrated.
So, let’s celebrate.
Music
‘We are the Champions’ by Queen
