Wearing another clans Tartan?

[Nathan]

Jessie,

This has been discussed many times and you'll get a vast array of opinions. Mine is probably in the minority, but here it is.

Although it is generally accepted that "clan tartans" were an anachronistic romanticization in many cases (Google Sobieski Stuarts), the tradition has now been around for roughly 200 years and has taken hold. In my experience, most Nova Scotian Scots know their own tartan and more than a few others. Many Nova Scotians also take their clan and all its symbols more seriously than some other communities. Since you live in Nova Scotia, I'd advise you to refrain from wearing the tartan of another clan. While you would not be breaking any law (kilts aren't heraldry), you would look the part of an impostor. Clans have long bloody histories and would you want to wear the tartan of a historic enemy of your ancestral clan just to save a few bucks? If we wear the tartan to honour our ancestors and heritage, this might not be the best approach.

There are some circumstances where it's considered perfectly acceptable to wear another clan's tartan such as when it's your pipe band, military regiment, highland dance uniform or your partner's clan.

Some wear the kilt because they like it. Some have no connection to the Scottish clans and just admire the look. Others see the fact that clan tartans were a Victorian invention in the post '45 era when the clan system had been dismantled as a good reason to wear any tartan they like. Still others claim the right to wear whatever clothing they pay their hard-earned money to obtain.

If I had my druthers, people who just wanted to wear the kilt would stick to generic and region tartans rather than wearing a tartan that clan members the world over have rallied around as a common modern day symbol of identity. Sadly, nobody appointed me king of the world, so for now, all I can do is reply to questions like yours and pass on the etiquette (and that's exactly what it is) with which I was raised.