|
By: H. William Hart, NM State Tartan
Day Chairman
It was only a matter of time that
the largest city in New Mexico would have a tartan. Stepping
forward was longtime Albuquerque resident, Ralph L. Stevenson,
Jr., who has provided a lot of firsts for the Celtic community,
first “Scottish Day” at NM’s State Fair, first bagpipe and drum
seminar (John Higgins, instructor), designing of the State of
New Mexico Tartan and more. These “projects” were mostly out
of pocket as they were primarily of the quest to define his
heritage.
When Albuquerque’s Tricentennial
committee started making headway to get the community to take
part in the celebration, Stevenson made contact with Charles
Hargis who had an online Celtic shop. Hargis studied tartans
and their connection to clans and military units. Together they
collaborated with colors and thread count to create the
Albuquerque Tartan.
On Saint Andrew’s Day, November 30,
2005, the final draft of the tartan was registered with the
Scottish Tartans Authority. On St. David’s Day, March 1, 2006,
at a Tricentennial committee meeting, led by Clan
Galbraith’s Jerry Giest and attended by sixty or
more persons, the Albuquerque Tartan was unveiled to
committee officials and the public for the first time. It was
accepted and surrendered to The Albuquerque Museum for display
and historical preservation.
ALBUQUERQUE TARTAN LEGEND
Blue – For the Encompassing Sky
Green – For the Rio Grande Bosque
Red – For the Original Cultural Providers
White – For the Bright Future of Albuquerque
Happy Birthday Albuquerque – the Quest Goes On!
Any questions about the tartan you may contact:
abqtartan@yahoo.com
 |
