The "Don of Fear"

[KentuckyCeltophile]

Since I was a in grade school (age 10 or so), I have had a romanticised idea of tartan clad Highlanders, with their kilts gently swaying in the breeze as they lean against their glimmering claymores. I developed a deep love and admiration for all things Scottish at an early age. Now, in my 30s, I have seen the Highlands, fought the swarms of midges, felt the crisp, cool mist from Loch Ness, and stood where men of my heritage died at Culloden. It gives me a chill to think about having been there. I found, once again, that deep admiration of the land of my ancestors. Granted, it may still be romanticised, but this same admiration sparks a feeling of pride--of identity. You don't have to be of Scot heritage to know what I'm talking about.

Yet, despite this pride and admiration, I find it difficult to wear my kilt even in appropriate settings for fear of criticism, snide remarks, and negative attention. Let's face it. Kilts stand out and you will get attention, positive or negative. For instance, my wife wanted me to wear my kilt to our family Christmas dinner last December. I can just feel the tension thinking about putting on my kilt--I call it the "don of fear." I didn't wear it to to our Christmas dinner, but did wear it to our Christmas Eve service at church (11pm at night, candle-lit, sitting in the back). I'm not ashamed, but it is alot easier to hide in a crowd. That's why I'm drawn to Xmarks. You blokes seem unashamed to don that tartan and even raise a leg like a conquering chieftain.

I doubt that I am alone. Can anyone else relate to this feeling--the "don of fear" (being afraid to wear it)? Maybe most of you have grown past this fear and proudly sport your colors anytime of day. What can you say for the rest of us? Can you share any stories of your first time wearing your kilt?