Help and advice on choosing a tartan

[berserkbishop]

First off, I have ties to Cunningham, MacLeod of Raasay, and possibly MacGregor. I did some research and from one source found that the MacGregors adopted the name Cunningham. Is this true, and if it is is there anyway to tell if I am a MacGregor? I am also wondering if anyone has any information on MacLeod of Rasaay. My earliest (provable) relative is Malcom MacLeod Rasey, whos father was Malcom MacLeod. Malcom Rasey came to America in the 1670's. I know that for sure. Anyone know why he would have changed his surname to Rasey? Ok all that leads me to this. Which tartan would be the most cost effective/ appropriate to wear?
I can give a link to the Rasey genealogy as far back as I know it if that would help some one. I appreciate any and all help since I am very ignorant in this field.

[Galician]

Just a speculation as to the name change. We have seen even in our own day how children are adopted by their stepfathers, and wind up changing their names (consider Bill Clinton). Certainly in that period, being orphaned or losing one's father was a common occurence. One possibility to consider.

[gilmore]

Just a speculation as to the name change. We have seen even in our own day how children are adopted by their stepfathers, and wind up changing their names (consider Bill Clinton). Certainly in that period, being orphaned or losing one's father was a common occurence. One possibility to consider.

Illegitimacy may be another.

[majdan]

Illegitimacy may be another.

another reason is running from the crown

[gilmore]

another reason is running from the crown

True, or creditors, or a wife one didn't get along with. Remember, divorce was only for the wealthy until recent times, and even then it was difficult and complicated.

[James MacMillan]

(consider Bill Clinton).

I'd really rather not, thanks just the same!

But back to the subject - - -Pick a tartan by what you like to look at, then with a very little sleuting (sp?) or imagination you can come up with all the family ties that you want!

If you like the colors, have shirts and hose that go with the tartan - who cares?

[gilmore]

....-Pick a tartan by what you like to look at, then with a very little sleuting (sp?) or imagination you can come up with all the family ties that you want!...

In other words, invent a pack of lies?

[Archangel]

In other words, invent a pack of lies?

For those with a narrow morality, it would be a pack of lies. For any history student, the weight of probability would be sufficient, given the usual historical accuracy in these matters.

As Gilmore stated earlier, most traditions are created and then "became fact".

As to what clan tartan to wear, they were all invented well over 100 years after your forefathers came to the US, but if you don't want to wear one, there are always district tartans.

Keep in mind, clan is not heraldry. Bloodline is not the only entry into the family. Clan is based on blood, marriage, or "adoption". You'll get some argument on this, they're wrong. It's covered on other threads. In the historic times, clan was based on: you stand by me and mine, I'll stand by you and yours.

Here's the deal, if you have some hint of affinity with McGregors, or any other clan, embrace it. Some will say that you need the chief's permission but that's not really the case. The modern chief structure came after the clan period (back to Gilmore's point).

As a McGregor, I invite you to join me.

[James MacMillan]

In other words, invent a pack of lies?

Yes! That's exactly what I meant!

I am not a tartan bigot...... I wear what I like! If some clan chiefie wants to take my kilt, let him try!

[gilmore]

Yes! That's exactly what I meant!

I am not a tartan bigot...... I wear what I like! If some clan chiefie wants to take my kilt, let him try!

The problem with inventing a pack of lies is that some people take genealogy and such matters seriously, might actually believe him, pass on the story as truth until it becomes an accepted fact about his family, only to be overturned years later after much wasted research based upon it. Saying "I don't know" is acceptable. Intentionally lying isn't.