Does Joining a Clan Society Make You a Member of the Clan?

Here’s a question we never thought we’d hear. The seemingly obvious answer is “no”. And from a genealogy standpoint that is just the fact - no.
Clans are familial organizations based on blood lineage and marriage; huge extended families.
Or are they? We know for instance that in the 19th century many clans scrambled to claim various surnames in the United Kingdom as Septs. This has resulted in some very confusing lines of connection and many people seemingly having equally legitimate connections to two or more clans. Did you know that while ‘Smith’ has its own tartan, the name is also claimed by Clan Chattan, MacFarlane and MacPherson?
People living on the lands of a Clan could theoretically swear allegiance to the clan chief as a practical matter (usually protection). So could joining a clan society be the modern equivalent? Like if you want to get into boosting Gallic culture but the “only game in town” is a local branch of a Scottish clan society? Or maybe you want to join because you are really close friends with some members???
Tartans in this video:
Rocky: Celtic Nations Muted
Erik: Tweed
Ian: Pennsylvania State Seal
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[@sifujc]

I’m a member of the Clan Arthur (MacArthur) Society, and have been a member since 1996. I met Chief John MacArthur of that Ilk in 2018, and when he learned I make my living as a web developer, he asked me to take over as webmaster for the society. Since then, I’ve worked with the clan seannachie (keeper of the clan history and traditions) to update the clan history with new information, helped him organize the Clan Arthur Ancestral Lands Trust, to help the clan recover some of our lands, and run a clan tent here in my home state of Utah. I am accepted as a part of the clan as much as anybody in Scotland with the MacArthur/McArthur surname. It’s about connecting with people and belonging to something greater than yourself. And it can be a lot of fun.

[@Tickyboxes]

Minor correction: the Gàidhlig for "family" is "teaghlach" . "Clann" means "children". So, using my family as an example, MacDonald of Clanranald - Gàidhlig MacDhòmhnail-Son of Dòmhnall, Clanranald-Clann Raghnaill, children of Reginald. So, we're descended from Reginald, via his elder son Allan. Reginald's father was Donald, thus the MacDonald. Donald was the great-great-grandson of Somerled, king of the (western) Isles. My maternal grandmother, Charlotte MacRuairidh was a descendent of Amie MacRuairi - probably more properly Nic Ruari - first wife of John of Islay (Eòin MacDhòmhnaill), Lord of the Isles.

[@crosisofborg5524]

My heritage is Scottish, welsh, Irish and English. I’ve got all the isles covered.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

Do you ever find yourself... fighting yourself?! lol

[@bluescelt5317]

As a member of a clan society you do have more connection to the history than just your name. In my case when our chief turned 80 in 2018 the clan had a large celebration and branches from around the world sent presents to the chief. I made a custom sporran for him and this will be handed down to future chiefs.

[@PhilipCrichton]

Clan MacLaren welcomes anyone who has completed the Wood Badge course (recieved their beads) to apply and pay the dues, to become a non-voting member of the clan. Clans are centered on an original family but are far broader including aligned clans (septs) and individual members, as defined by the clans bylaws.

[@davidbane965]

I am a member of the MacBean clan and going to be joining the Chattan Association. My family hosts clan tents at gatherings and games in Northern and central California. It's always fun to talk to people at the events, even (and perhaps especially) when they're not from the clan. Sharing stories and helping people learn their history is most of the fun we have. So if you're ever at an event with clan tents and you're hesitant about going in and just talking to people because you're not part of that clan, please come on in. We want to talk to you.

[@dresh9122]

The standing council of chiefs is pretty clear on this subject. But it's great to be recognised by the chief/society in the form of association/society membership.

[@ScottAndScarlettsDarkHumor]

I am currently a member of two. The Allisons are claimed by 5 clans as septs. Clan MacAlister and the International Clan MacFarlane Society. With Clan MacFarlane we were able to do a virtual gathering to be a small part of the inauguration of the new Clan Buchanan clan chief and it was an absolute honor to meet him on video as well as the current Lord Lyon.

[@OntarioBearHunter]

Joining a local St Andrew's Society as a way to meet clan members you were looking at ..etc.

[@jamestunstall2233]

My mothers last name is graham so my mom and I are graham clan . we are related to James Graham 1st Marquess of Montrose And Sir John de Graham . Sir John De Graham was William Wallace's second hand man

[@mrichardsonma2]

up to the rules of the clan and it's recognized leadership. Some accept true sur named persons only, some accept septs, some accept any paid subscriber. PS - Clar Innis!

[@grantharper123]

Any Clan Buchanan in London UK ?

[@charlespfaff6585]

You remember the TV show "Kung Fu'! Great show!

[@carsonwilson4542]

I'd assume the Oklahoma organization you're talking about is USCO, United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma.

[@stevenwalters3639]

A Celtic rock band my Celtic punk band would play shows with was started by a Jewish guy who loved Celtic music.

[@toranshaw4029]

I'm not part of any at the moment, but I am seriously looking into the Chattan Association!

[@davidbane965]

I'm a MacBean and my family will be hosting the Chattan tent at the Highland Gathering and Games in Pleasanton, Ca labor day weekend. If you're in the area that weekend definitely come on by.

[@toranshaw4029]

@@davidbane965 ta for that, but I'm in totally the wrong continent for that. I hope it goes well though! 🙂

[@witchdoc5075]

I got really excited because I thought the Braveheart facepaint dude in the thumbnail was wearing the Hannah tartan (my clan). It is not, but it is close!

[@witchdoc5075]

Wallace blue dress, I think. Had to zoom in...

[@hetrodoxly1203]

The depiction of Wallace in the thumbnail is an embarrassment, he never painted his face blue, he never wore a kilt, long hair was considered effeminate, not to mention the film 'Braveheart' was a complete load of nonsense.

[@witchdoc5075]

@@hetrodoxly1203 Agreed. I never knew why he did the blue facepaint in the movie? I've never even seen anything even remotely suggesting that.

[@justinrivera1618]

Wouldn’t the society part of clan society include all the vassal families? Do clans have a way of adding new septs? Maybe they can join in that way

[@Lane2268]

I am a Bee. Shortened from MacBee an offshoot of MacBeth. As you know everyone mispronounced MacBeth the th is silent in Gailligh but I am also a Move it of the Dumfries Moffit. I am also three Irish ancestry from Antrim, from Donnegal and from Limerick. So I guess how do I choose? Macbee, Moffit, Brickey, Chamness, O'neil. Or Browh or just choose one? Since me grannies mother was from Ireland and her Taters line the Land and Title holders of Dumfries I feel closer to the Moffit clan. I guess I could choose any but I am wondering if you have ever had someone conflicted from the intersection of time. I have done DNA and am majority of Scotch Irish with some Welsh danish, Vikings raiding coastlines most probably. A smidgen of French and English. I consider myself Scots Irish. Anyway was just curious. Any advice would be grand. Do they have a Dal Road a Tartan that could aleviate much of my conundrum.

[@davidbane965]

Wish I had the opportunity to know about this last weekend. Just came back from the Highland games in Monterrey Ca. At the MacBean tent someone was asking if they might be part of the clan because they had the last name Bee. I hadn't heard of the MacBee clan so I couldn't give them a good answer.

[@richardwhite3924]

I belong to Clan Lamont through my mother and belong to the Clan society. I have had the pleasure of visiting the Clan's headquarters (The Manse) in Dunoon, Scotland. Even if I did not have the family connection, I know I would have been accepted if I had merely asked.

[@davefinster8697]

There is a gentleman whose family name is "Barra" (might be Italian?), but he loves Scottish culture and hangs out with Clan Macneil society members (like me) and wears their tartan because they are Clan Macneil of the Isle of Barra. And it's cool...he puts in a lot of work at the local Scottish Games

[@alzathoth]

i was BORN into my clan. guess that makes me a clan member. ;)

[@johnjanetduncan7882]

The clans were always inclusive rather than exclusive

[@frankiewhittom5699]

How do I join a clan? My grandfather's mother was of "the clan Ross"

[@Dave-yk8ik]

As a scottish person living all my days here i have never heard of "clan society" Clan is just an old way of saying family. You are all part of what ever family u are from no need to pay anyone for the privilege of joining some club. Usually and old family will have a tartan but imagine it as ur old nanny made your clothes she made it a certain way n taught her daughters so that just the way they do it. Your only ment to wear yours or that of other branches of your family lit your mothers or grandmother if its not the name your carry

[@sifujc]

You can say you’ve never heard of clan societies, but they exist in Scotland, and have for a long time. There’s a standing council of Scottish Chiefs in Scotland, each presiding over their own clan societies. Sounds to me like you need to get out more.

[@thrwildwin7564]

I am a member of the Nesbitt/Nisbet Society of North America

[@thesapientsapiophile]

of Irish heritage (Clan MacSiurtan) but wear blackwatch due to my veteran's status. Is this right? Or should I get mustard yellow?

[@Cainb420]

There no right or wrong but most over here either wear there clan tartan or a universal tartan. Mine is Galloway but I wear the spirit of Scotland tartan

[@richardeasterlow6988]

To be a bit picky, clann (pronounced clown) actually means children, or progeny, so clan is derived for the word for children and not the word for family. Teaghlach is the Scottish Gaelic word for family

[@gallowglass2630]

Richard Easterlow That would be similar to irish ,there is several words for family,Muintir ,Clann ,Fine ,and teaglach(which can me marriage aswell as family,)but they have slightly different meanings and roots.Muintir usually means the nuclear family but there is a rural advocacyb body called Muintir na tire which means country folk.

[@richardeasterlow6988]

@@gallowglass2630 that's very interesting. Pòsadh means marriage in Scottish Gaelic. Is that a word in Irish too?

[@gallowglass2630]

@@richardeasterlow6988 Yes it is and 90% of the time its used for marriage,but because Teaghlach also means household its being used for marriage,but again it usually just means family.

[@Helmholtzwatson1984]

Does Rutherford's have a clan society?

[@deeblack9393]

I am curious how some clan societies deal with septs.

[@patrickwilliams3108]

Most clan societies want members. If you have a name even close to one of the 'sept' names (which is really more of a fanciful VIctorian invention) and are willing to pay dues, then you're in. If you don't, but still are willing to pay dues, then you're in as an 'associate' member. I joined Clan MacFarlane Worldwide as an associate (because I love the tartan and they seem like a bunch of swell people), as I cannot prove Scottish heritage or connection to the MacFarlanes. I got an immediate text back asking if I would rather become a full voting member. I accepted. Your mileage may vary depending on the clan society you approach.

[@straycat1674]

Genealogically a member of the plan? It said that most clan leaders probably were not actually related to the chief. Just people who swore filthy to the chief and lived on his land.

[@TrueStrongNorth]

If you join a clan society, you are a member of the clan society. Clearly, you have an interest in the clan and at least a friend of the clan. You need to be family to be a clan member, but hey as a friend of the clan, you'd be at the figurative clan BBQs and family events! ;)

[@TheMongo1357]

Folks need to research their own Genealogy, if nothing else but to know your history! There are many septs to Clans and those different septs are accepted into the Clan! I am a member of the North American Society of Clan MACDOUGAL, pay dues and interact socially with members from Scotland and keep track of our beloved Clan Chief Maddam Morag MacDougall in Oban, Scotland (Dunollie House!) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@woltews]

in anthropology there are clans , you are not born into them, they have names like clan of the salmon , clan of the bear , clan of the raven . No one is born into these things, you earn your way in! In anthropology, there are also things called linages that are a line of people who are either related on the paternal or maternal side . You cant get into one except by birth .

[@wendyleisey1924]

Dunlop/Dunlap, is my family...

[@markadkins286]

House of Gordon

[@harveygalloway3965]

My name is a Sept of a clan and I wear the clan colors..... :)

[@michaelthoms7232]

Clan MacThomas Society

[@danielmorgan7351]

Clan MacKay, by blood.

[@kendrickailill2531]

Clan donnachaidh

[@pamelanapierrice1394]

Clan Napier!

[@JasMcKenzie]

From what I've read, the clan system has been over for quite some time now. It's just for fun.

[@TheGodsrighthandman]

This is horrifying. A psychological microcosm of a people with no history & no culture desperately scrabbling for something that might have meaning . . .

[@Cainb420]

I'm from Scotland and I think that the Americans and Canadians are more into there history and clans than most of us. I would love to go over and run about the clan fairs.

[@grantharper123]

I'm from London of the clan Buchanan and I welcome any one who chooses there heritage to celebrate they are the descendants of the survivors of the shamefulness that was the crown and goverment

[@Robyaknowtheone]

Clan Colquhoun society babyyyyyy

[@bunnyniyori6324]

What the hell is a 'clan society'? I'm Gunn clan, because of my blood. I didn't pick it, I am it. I'm part Celt, part Pict. Likely part Viking. I probably have no Asian and no African blood. Probably nothing from South America or Polynesia. Wow, what a surprise :) I have no interest in wearing a kilt that doesn't have Gunn colours.

[@davejackson3497]

Clan Campbell

[@Cailean_MacCoinnich]

I'm not a member of " our" clan society, primarily because I think the "Clan Chief" is fake. The actual chief's line died out a long time ago, and the current lot are just a bunch of English dudes running about in kilts , wearing silly bonnets. They openly admit that their connection is through an English man marrying a woman whose great great great grandmother had a "connection". Hardly Chieftain level lineage. The current "Chieftain's" father changed his surname to MacKenzie to legitimise their standing. Whereas my own lineage is documented for nearly 400 years, but from a minor branch. Join the societies if you want, and I'm sure there are some decent folk in them, but the MacKenzie Clan Society is not one of them.

[@hetrodoxly1203]

Only in America, your name doesn't even mean you're Scottish.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

Americanization sure threw a wrench in genealogical work.

[@hetrodoxly1203]

@@jed-henrywitkowski6470 MacDonald who had an English mother walked across the border over a thousand years ago, married an English girl, every generation since have been English, that would make you 0.000000002 Scottish, not to mention lowland Scots are predominantly Anglo Saxon, Highland Scots Norse, i suppose it's what they call cosplay.

[@James-dq3jo]

@@hetrodoxly1203Some of them likely go back to the Picts (Craig & Mar are 2 surnames that come to mind). Some are likely Norman (who are genetically Norse, I suppose, but they came into the picture in a very different way than e.g. the Danes).