Sgian Dubhs in Church: Opinions, please

**Cirthalion** · 23rd December 06, 10:44 AM

This may be something that has been extensively discussed before, but I'm looking for some current perspectives.

What is the conventional wisdom regarding wearing sgian dubhs in church? I'm going semi-formal to an (Episcopalian) midnight mass tomorrow night: kilt, belt, argyll tweed jacket, tie, ghillie brogues, flashes; but I am ambivalent on whether to wear my sgian dubh. The ceremonial aspect appeals to me, but a sgian dubh is an actual, functional weapon to some extent, and the idea of wearing a weapon in church seems wrong somehow. If I knew someone was carrying a bowie knife, or a switchblade in church, it would bother me. I don't want anyone to make that judgement of me. On the other hand, there is the heritage argument, almost (though not quite, given the theological sanction), the way a Sikh might wear his kirpan to temple.

Where does everyone stand? Up or down on the sgian dubh in church?

Merry Christmas to all,

Cirthalion

**McMurdo** · 23rd December 06, 11:06 AM

My opinion as a layman is that if you want to go ahead.

My reasoning is that people frequently get married in full highland dress (including sgian dubh).

I would say of modern kilt wearers a good number would not be kilt wearers if they had not started with their wedding.

**freddie** · 23rd December 06, 11:42 AM

This isisue has been discussed many times and I started my own thread just recently. The sgian dhu is an integral part of Highland Dress (certainly as much as the sporran and maybe even the kilt itself). It's historical significance is that one of the restrictions of the repressive disarming act of 1746, following the failed Jacobite rebellion, was that highlanders were stripped of their weapons - exept for one small utility knife (to allow them to survive 'in the heather', that is when they were living rough outdoors). However, as the sgian dhu worn by todays traditional kilt wearers is purly decorative, and not intended for use, there are two things you could do if you don't want to seem offensive. One is to buy a dummy sgain dhu, which is basically just the ornate handle without the steel blade (which is hidden inside your sock anyway). The other would be to glue the blade into it's sheath, rendering it useless as a knife.

**Caradoc** · 24th December 06, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by freddie

However, as the sgian dhu worn by todays traditional kilt wearers is purly decorative, and not intended for use

This generalization is incorrect. I (for one) don't own any "purely decorative" knives.

**Alan H** · 24th December 06, 08:54 PM

I'm just back from Christmas eve service at my Presbyterian church and I did not wear my sgian dubh.

Here's my take on it....
TO YOU, does your sgian dubh represent, or in fact function as a tool?

If so, then wear it if you wish.

TO YOU, does your sgian dubh represent or in fact function as a weapon?

If so, then DON'T wear it.

**beloitpiper** · 23rd December 06, 11:22 AM

I wear my sgian to chruch. To me, it is not a weapon but a display of friendship and tradition. But then again, I go to a Presbyterian chruch and they love anything that has to do with the kilt.

**McClef** · 23rd December 06, 11:43 AM

I wore mine at a Carol Service last Sunday, it was part of the oufit and nobody minded.

**Uncle Ricky** · 23rd December 06, 12:05 PM

This is just my opinion, but since you asked...

If you are "In Costume" then it seems to me that the knife, the flashes, and the Prince Charley jacket are all part of your schtick. But if you are wearing the kilt because you like it as a comfortable garment, then none of that stuff matters.

Cheers,
Rick

**Cawdorian** · 23rd December 06, 12:28 PM

I always wear my Sgian Dubh to the Kirk'n services I attend, Everyone else in highland dress wears them. I am a Presbyterian too, everyone seems to understand that it's part of highland dress.

I suppose it is no different than carrying a pocket knife in your pocket ar a small knife on a keychain into church with you.

**sorcererdale** · 23rd December 06, 01:07 PM

I always have wondered about carrying a Sgian Dubh. I don't like weapons of any kind and can't see a point in having one in the kilt hose. Most people, at least around here, wouldn't even know I was supposed to. I just figure if one is carrying a weapon, then there are more chances of having to use it. That is just my opinion. So I don't have one, and probably never will.

If you feel it is important to complete your outfit, then wear it, but it isn't really necessary.

DALE.