Burns, Ballads, and Bonnie Valentines

In the heart of February, when winter’s hush settles across the land and hearth fires glow a little warmer, we turn our thoughts to matters of the heart. At the United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma, we believe that love—like heritage—is something to be honored, shared, and celebrated. And when it comes to celebrating love, who better to inspire us than Scotland’s own bard, Robert Burns?

"O my Luve's like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June..."

Burns' timeless words evoke not only the tenderness of affection but also the wild, aching beauty of the Scottish landscape—a place where love blooms as fiercely as heather on the moor. His poem, A Red, Red Rose, is a heartfelt promise of eternal devotion, rooted in nature, longing, and the enduring human spirit.

It’s this same spirit we channel each February as we explore the romantic customs and folklore of our Scottish ancestors. You may be surprised to learn that Valentine’s Day has its own unique flavor in Scotland—one that combines charm, tradition, and a playful dash of fate.

Love in a Hat: A Valentine’s Day Tradition

One delightful Scottish custom associated with Valentine’s Day is a spirited party game that introduces an element of surprise and charm to the celebration. In this game, unmarried men and women write their names on slips of paper, which are then placed in separate hats. Each participant draws a name from the opposite hat, and the result is a spontaneous pairing of Valentines for the evening. It’s an event filled with lighthearted fun, where paired individuals might exchange small gifts or simply enjoy each other’s company. This tradition, rooted in Scotland’s rich tapestry of music, poetry, and balladry, celebrates connection and camaraderie—whether romantic or friendly—capturing the essence of Scotland’s warm, welcoming spirit.

Love at First Sight: Highland Style

Another bit of Scottish folklore tells of a chance meeting that could shape the rest of your day—or perhaps even your heart. It was once believed that the first young man or woman you encountered on the morning of Valentine’s Day would become your Valentine. Whether it was a sweetheart or a stranger passing by on the village road, fate had its say in the matter. While the tradition may sound quaint to modern ears, it carries a deeper message: love, connection, and companionship can arrive when we least expect it, often in the most ordinary moments. It’s a gentle reminder to remain open to the surprises the day may hold, and to greet others with kindness—you never know when you might cross paths with someone meaningful.

We’re curious—have you ever played this Highland version of Cupid’s game? We’d love to hear your stories.

A Heritage Woven with Romance

While modern traditions have shifted, the essence remains: love, in all its forms, is worth celebrating. Whether you’re exchanging roses, walking hand-in-hand through frost-kissed woods, or simply cherishing the stories of those who came before you, Valentine’s Day in Scottish spirit is about honoring connection, kinship, and memory.

At the United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma, we carry these values with us as we work to preserve the history, language, and traditions of Scotland. Love of country, of community, and of culture—we see them all as part of the same great story. It’s a story you can be part of, whether you’re exploring your own ancestry or simply enchanted by the lore.

Gifts of the Glen

To mark the season of love, we invite you to visit the Shop section of our website. There, you’ll find gifts that speak to the heart—whether it’s a tartan accent for your Valentine, a keepsake to remind someone of their Highland roots, or something special just for you. Each purchase supports our mission of education, preservation, and cultural celebration here in Oklahoma. And who knows? Perhaps your next heirloom of love will come not from a rose bush, but from the Highlands themselves.

"And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ 'twere ten thousand mile."
—Robert Burns

From our hearts to yours, may your February be full of warmth, tradition, and maybe a little moody Highland magic.

Discover the perfect Valentine gift steeped in Celtic charm.

Sources: BBC, Historic Environment Scotland, Scotland Shop, WeeBox