The Ghillie Shirt

[tripleblessed]

It sort of amazes me that so many new kilt-wearers buy a kilt, knowing full well that it is a distinct piece of cultural garb with a rich history, but thinking that it comes with no attachments to any other cultural traditions.

It is also interesting that people who do grow with cultural awareness and customs related to the wearing of kilts, jodhpurs, baseball caps, or such often
make the assumption that the customs they grew up with are the only ones that count This negates and demeans the experience of others who have
different lines of connection to said item. An example is seen here frequently in the byplay between North American* kilters and Scots kilters; both have equal claim to their customs, neither is further down the timeline from "how it was worn then" than the other. It's like arguing over descent in that though most of us learn most from our mothers, many try to insist our fathers are more important. An old Spanish adage opines that "an ounce of mother is worth a pound of priest". Both, however, contribute, and customs are passed with varying results. The idea of "National Attire" associated with the kilt is rather
late to the dinner table. By the time most Lowland Scots would consider the kilt having any connection to them and theirs, the kilt had spread across the world and spawned other needs and perspectives. Yes, we pay attention to the Highland way, as first among equals. But this isn't "1984", where some are more equal than others. We are all a polyglot of influences and a mishmash of cultures, and rightfully honor them all. Outside the levels of dress,
which are reasonably simple and clear, there is room for much variance. And much precedent.

A wise man, often quoted, is reported to have said he wouldn't presume to dictate another's choices of food, drink, or apparel. It is not reported that he said he would not have opinions on such matters, just that there is room for choice. And, probably, error.


* I am not unaware of the subsets of Southern kilters , I believe I have been placed in class of "off kilters". Stipulated.