Kilts and visiting churches in Europe

**TechBear** · 19th May 06, 10:20 AM

I will likely be going to Europe next year. Spain is a strong possibility, but it might be France and/or Italy.

My question has to do with visiting churches. From the various guide books I've been reading, many Catholic churches prohibit entry to people wearing shorts and other such "immodest" clothing. Am I likely to encounter any problems if I wanted to see the inside of a church while wearing a kilt? Any suggestions on how to handle a frantic docent who is trying to shoo me out because of my "skirt"?

**Caradoc** · 19th May 06, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by TechBear

Any suggestions on how to handle a frantic docent who is trying to shoo me out because of my "skirt"?

Matthew 6:28-29

28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin,

29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.

**auld argonian** · 19th May 06, 11:27 AM

I've always wondered...certainly "immodest" clothing is right out....you can understand that...whether some folks can actually inderstand that their attire is "immodest" to others is another question. I'm sure that a whole lot of Xsmarksers are of the mind that they will dress appropriately for any event or occaision and will show the proper respect even if said event is not necessarily connected to whatever religion/faith/belief structure that they personally believe in...I wouldn't think of going into any religious structure (active or ancient) attired any other way than respectfully...you just don't "dis" folks by not showing your understanding and respect. Same thing applies to going to events...most notably the theatre...I dress...it isn't casual...some folks look like they just got back from the beach...

...it's just gotten too damn "casual"...which is my way of saying sloppy. Touristy behaviour to the point of being obnoxious.

Where the kilt fits in is open to discussion...worn formally or semi-formally or worn casually? A tartan kilt versus a contempo kilt? ...sorry to bring that up but the tartan is usually recognized immediately as a kilt where it probably takes a few seconds for the unitiated to grok a contemporary kilt.

It has to be cultural as well...in some places they get it right away, in some others it will have to be explained. Go figger...global village?...not quite.

Best

AA

**Nick** · 19th May 06, 11:42 AM

The group I was with never had any problems when we visited churches in Belgium. Generaly there was at least one person in shorts (and usually it was a girl), and no one objected. The rule I know is that women must have their shoulders and knees covered. I've never heard a similar rule for men. I'm Catholic, and getting married in a Catholic church in a kilt. I know things are different in Europe, but I don't think you'll have a problem. Make sure to wear kilt hose, though, just to be on the safe side.

Cheers,
Nick

**Joe Gondek** · 19th May 06, 11:46 AM

My son was in Italy a few years ago with a group of students
Girls and boys were not allowed into St. Peters and the Vatican
While wearing shorts

**Nick** · 19th May 06, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Gondek

My son was in Italy a few years ago with a group of students
Girls and boys were not allowed into St. Peters and the Vatican
While wearing shorts

Right, but a kilt is not shorts even if they do end at about the same point for most guys. That's why I think there would be a difference.

Nick

**mrpharr** · 19th May 06, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by Caradoc

Matthew 6:28-29

28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin,

29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.

this was also the verse brian of monty python's life of brian used. and then he was asked why he was picking on the lilies...

**Freelander Sporrano** · 19th May 06, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by TechBear

I will likely be going to Europe next year. Spain is a strong possibility, but it might be France and/or Italy.

My question has to do with visiting churches. From the various guide books I've been reading, many Catholic churches prohibit entry to people wearing shorts and other such "immodest" clothing. Am I likely to encounter any problems if I wanted to see the inside of a church while wearing a kilt? Any suggestions on how to handle a frantic docent who is trying to shoo me out because of my "skirt"?

I was confirmed in the Catholic Church while wearing a kilt Our local priest almost insisted on it......I've never had less than admiring looks wear your kilt with pride

**davedove** · 19th May 06, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by TechBear

I will likely be going to Europe next year. Spain is a strong possibility, but it might be France and/or Italy.

My question has to do with visiting churches. From the various guide books I've been reading, many Catholic churches prohibit entry to people wearing shorts and other such "immodest" clothing. Am I likely to encounter any problems if I wanted to see the inside of a church while wearing a kilt? Any suggestions on how to handle a frantic docent who is trying to shoo me out because of my "skirt"?

You could always carry a light pair of slacks in a backpack or something just in case. I know if I were travelling that far I would hate to miss out on seeing one of the cathedrals just because someone didn't think the kilt was appropriate. While you're visiting another continent is not the time to push for your "right" to wear the kilt.

**auld argonian** · 19th May 06, 02:32 PM

Those slacks made out of Taslan and Supplex pack light and can be "revived" rather quickly...I have a couple of pair that are zip-off leg style so that they can be used as shorts and then turned magically back into pants...truly we live in an age of wonders!

Best

AA