CHIEFTAIN OF THE DAY

In Gaelic history, heritage, and lore, a Chief was a leader of a family group. The word clan is derived from the Gaelic word clanna which means "children." Originally, each clan was a large group of related people, theoretically an extended family, all of whom looked to the clan Chief as their head and their protector. As time went on, clans represented geographical areas and family membership was not strictly necessary for inclusion. People who lived on the chief’s territory or who pledged allegiance to him for protection could take the clan surname.

Clan Chieftains were the representatives of large branches of a Scottish clan. Originally a Chieftain was elected by the family assembly. In this tradition, the Prosser Scottish Fest honors those that contribute to Prosser's agriculture, community, youth, our fest, and the Pacific Northwest Scottish Heritage community with the title "Chieftain of the Day."