In Italy, bagpipe drones are traditionally tied with red ribbon to ward off the devil. Some believe that you should only walk clockwise, never walk counter-clockwise while playing piobaireachd. Many people believe that you should never play Lord Lovat’s Lament at a wedding. This one has some historical basis to it. Simon Fraser kidnapped, raped and forced into marriage the Widow of the 10th Lord Lovat. During the attack, he had his piper play so that the music would cover up the screams and protests. The tune “Flowers of the Forest” holds many superstitions. This tune was written by Jean Elliot of Teviotdale as a lament for the defeat at Flodden Field in 1513. Thousands of Scots were killed including several nobles, and King James IV. This tune is often performed at funerals … Read entire article »