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Clan
Clan
(Gaelic clann,"offspring"), group of families in a tribe
who claim common ancestry.
Although
clans have existed for many years in all parts of the world,
the term came to refer to those groups originating in Scotland
and Ireland about AD1000 and today is applied almost exclusively
to communities in Scotland living in specific areas and
distinguishable by their surnames.
Generally
the members of a Scottish clan assume the same surname
and adopt a tartan, a distinctive plaid pattern used
in socks, kilts, and capes.
Clans
like the Campbells figured prominently in the history
of Scotland and Ireland. Rebellions caused the British
government to break up the clans. Their members were
disarmed, and they were forced to discontinue wearing
distinctive costumes.
Anthropologists
sometimes use the term clan when referring to various
groups of indigenous people throughout the world.
Anthropologists
use the word to describe a group of people who can trace
their descent from a common ancestor, or who identify
with a common totem or animal.
"Clan,"
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2000 http://encarta.msn.com
© 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
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