According to Sims and Stephens, folklore is “informally-learned, unofficial knowledge about the world, ourselves, our communities, our beliefs, our cultures and our traditions, that is expressed creatively through words, music, customs, actions, behaviors and materials. It is also the interactive, dynamic process of creating, communicating, and performing as we share that knowledge with other people.” To break down the Traditional Highland Games and how it is folklore, the parts of folklore will be broken down.  

To begin, what is the text and context of the Traditional Highland Games? The text (what binds everything together), broadly put, is the Highland Games themselves (Key Terms 2017). There is plenty of intertextuality at work within the games, but broadly it is the whole event. The primary context is the cultural heritage, Scottish culture, and the preservation and amendment to traditions to. Community and culture are integral to the success of the games, without that, there would not be the 60+ games that happen yearly. With the frame being marked by the opening and closing ceremonies. As far as the genre that the games fall into, it falls into all three. It has many verbal aspects, from the ceremonies and singing to the chants and cheering. The material portions of the games are visible from the moment that you enter the games, the flags, tartans, cabers, food, etc. If nothing else, the games are a customary tradition that has lasted centuries. The folk group of the Highland Games is any participant, volunteer, or organizer who is involved in any way. Because the games are more secular and less sacred, there really isn’t an inherent belief regarding the games, aside from celebrating being Scottish in many ways. As previously mentioned, the games are very inclusive. When looking at them, they might seem to be very concerned with their “in-group”, but they rely on their interaction with exoteric groups. Wherever you might find Highland Games happening, they require coordination with regulating bodies and officials that are not involved in the games. 

Vernacular (Kirkwood 2022) - 
Kilt - One of the key symbols of Scottish culture. All of those that take part in the heavy events must wear a kilt. As part of the clan celebrations, many kilts feature tartan patterns. 
Highland Dancing - This can be dancing that is done solo or in groups, and is often times a competition. They dress in traditional clothes while doing signature dances of Scotland, including sword dances and the Highland fling.
Massed Bands - A gathering of multiple different bagpipe and drum bands performing together, often times representing their clans ancestor's. 
Caber Toss - The signature event of the Highland games. The competitor toss a 20-foot long caber (log), what weighs on average 150lbs. 
Hammer Throw - The hammer in this event is made of a metal ball and wooden handle, weighing around 22 lbs. 
Hill Race - It seems like a simple race, with runners trying to reach the top of the hill the quickest, but the terrain is unfavorable, full of obstacles, uneven, and steep inclines. 
Weight for Height - An event where the competitors see how high that they can throw a 56lb weight over a crossbar, one handed, while standing still.