About The Krewe of Sgian Dubh

     The Krewe of Sgian Dubh and Central Louisiana (CenLa) Celtic Society is devoted to the sharing, advancement, study and preservation of the culture, values, history, lore and art of the Celtic heritage.
     The Celts (pronounced with a hard “c” or “k” sound) were originally a collection of tribes originating in central Europe with shared religion, language, traditions, and culture. The Celtic culture is believed to have evolved as early as the seventh or eighth century BC and spread throughout western Europe. The Roman Empire, which ruled much of southern Europe at the time, referred to the Celts as “Galli,” which means “barbarians.”
     The Celtic legacy continues today and is most prominent in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall (part of England), The Isle of Man and Brittany (part of France), where the culture and language continued to thrive. In many areas of Scotland, Ireland and Wales, the Celtic language, Gaelic, which was almost wiped from existence, has been making a comeback among adults and is again being taught and spoken in schools and communities.
     The name, “Krewe of Sgian Dubh” combines our Celtic heritage with our Acadian (Cajun) heritage and is a nod to an event Louisiana is famous for – Mardi Gras. However, unlike our New Orleans brethren, our Krewe does not sponsor Mardi Gras parades, have elaborate floats and throws, and our membership fees are very reasonable ($25 per year). We do, however, traditionally participate in a local Mardi Gras parade, the Classic Cars and College Cheerleaders Parade sponsored by the Alexandria Mardi Gras Association.
     The other portion of the name, “Sgian Dubh” (pronounced skeen-do) is an essential part of the traditional Scottish Highland dress, almost as essential as the kilt itself. A sgian dubh is small single or double-edged blade that was originally used for preparing fruit, meat, and cutting bread and cheese, but has evolved into a device used for self-defense. The word, “dubh” has a primary meaning of “black” but a secondary meaning of “hidden” and is worn in the top of the kilt hose with only the handle protruding. Traditionally, the Highlander would leave their primary weapons such as their basket hilt sword, Claymore, or Dirk at the entrance to a home they were entering as a guest, thereby leaving them unarmed and defenseless, so they began hiding a small knife in their sock. Today, the sgian dubh is primarily decorative (although some are very sharp and pointy). They may be family heirlooms, specific to a Celtic Clan (family), or have some other meaning to the wearer.
     The Krewe of Sgian Dubh isn’t just a group of men and women who are chasing and researching their Celtic heritage. We are also a service organization. Our yearly Saint Andrews Dinner is a major fund-raiser for local charities with 100% of proceeds going to that charity. We search-out and support local charities that do not receive support from national organizations or receive government funding, that way all the money we raise for them goes to their program and their service to our fellow man, and not to overhead, salaries, or other expenses. We also sponsor a scholarship program that benefits a local high school senior who will be pursuing additional education either through college (2 or 4 year) or through trade school.
     We aren’t all dull and no fun! We work just as hard at having fun as we do for our community. Yes, we drink beer! Yes, we drink Scotch! Yes, we drink whisky! Yes, we have fun! And yes, we wear kilts! What is worn under the kilt, you ask? Why nothing is worn under the kilt; everything is in perfect working order! Join us for food, fun, history, and a good cause.

Sláinte is táinte