To Wear A Tartan.

[Panache]

James,

While I certainly value heritage and tradition, the line of thinking you are pursuing is a very exclusive rather than inclusive one. At some point do we suggest that only those with Scottish heritage are the only ones to wear tartan at all? It is a Scottish garment after all. Why should those who can’t claim Scot blood wear something they do not have a traditional tie to? How much Scottish blood do you need to be then to claim to be a Scot? I am far more Dutch , Dane and German than Scot. Should I really have the right to wear my clan colors? I haven’t joined the Red Tower (Galbraith Clan Association). Do I truly have the right to the Galbraith tartan?

The concept of the tartan, taking many different colors of thread and weaving them together to create a strong and harmonious fabric is a wonderful symbol of unity. Many individuals coming together to form something greater than themselves, each contributing to the whole. The idea of “clan” can include blood, marriage, and friendship. From what I gathered going through the clan tents at my first Highland Games, the clans welcome those who take their colors in friendship and respect. . Military tartans (though maybe not officially recognized), District, State, and National tartans can be worn with the same pride that one feels for family tartans. These are clans! Not by blood, but by choice and pride in the community these individuals have formed. There was a recent thread where someone was asking about a “Gay Pride” tartan. Why should that be worn with any less respect than any other tartan. Perhaps to that individual this is his clan.

Ultimately we are talking about here is just some bright thread here. A small patch of cloth. In itself meaningless. When we take that cloth and invest meaning in it, it becomes something more. When we carry it with respect and honor what it represents, then it becomes special. Be it a banner, a flag, or a kilt; it is how we treat it that determines if it is appropriate we carry it.

Lastly our forum is for kilts, all types of kilts. Have you ever considered that Utilikilts and the other modern kilts are so popular because there are people out there who really think the idea of a kilt is great but are wary of all the intricacies of clan and heritage? By choosing a modern variant they enter the world of kilts without fear of causing offense by wearing the wrong tartan or wearing the right one poorly. They can decide if they like wearing a pleated male skirt without investing upwards of $1000 for a proper outfit.

Respect for the past is important, may I also suggest that respect for the here and now is just as important.

Sincerely