Irish Kilt?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Xmarks is a friendly place and folks of all nations and walks of life get help with tartan selection. It is only the Irish that are reminded every so often the kilt is the national dress of Scotland and not Ireland. When one side in a discussion holds the high ground and routinely gets the last word it can become annoying regardless of who is right.

In fairness, I think this is simply because there is more confusion on the matter where the Irish are concerned. When a person of German heritage, or Finnish nationality, or who is from Galicia wants to wear the German Heritage, Finnish National, or Galician tartans, the assumption generally is "I want to wear the kilt. I know the kilt is Scottish, but I am not Scottish, I am _____. So I am wearing this tartan to reflect my own ethnic heritage, while I am in Scottish dress." Whereas many people who wear Irish tartans begin with the assumption, "I am Irish, so I want to wear a kilt to honor my Irish heritage."

Very few people have the experience of walking down the streets of an American city in their kilt and being asked, "Are you Swiss?" or "You must be Dutch!"

But how many of us have lost count of the number of times we have been asked, "Are you Irish?" when wearing the kilt?

Also, unlike many of the other countries you mention, the kilt actually does have place in Irish history, although a somewhat smaller one than many people assume.

All of this adds up to mean that we have more opportunities to talk about the history of "the Irish kilt" than we do about kilt wearing in any of these other countries. So why shouldn't the topic come up with semi-regularity?

[Geoff Withnell]

Matt,
Your problem is that you are entirely too sensible and logical .

[macwilkin]

In fairness, I think this is simply because there is more confusion on the matter where the Irish are concerned. When a person of German heritage, or Finnish nationality, or who is from Galicia wants to wear the German Heritage, Finnish National, or Galician tartans, the assumption generally is "I want to wear the kilt. I know the kilt is Scottish, but I am not Scottish, I am _____. So I am wearing this tartan to reflect my own ethnic heritage, while I am in Scottish dress." Whereas many people who wear Irish tartans begin with the assumption, "I am Irish, so I want to wear a kilt to honor my Irish heritage."

Very few people have the experience of walking down the streets of an American city in their kilt and being asked, "Are you Swiss?" or "You must be Dutch!"

But how many of us have lost count of the number of times we have been asked, "Are you Irish?" when wearing the kilt?

Also, unlike many of the other countries you mention, the kilt actually does have place in Irish history, although a somewhat smaller one than many people assume.

All of this adds up to mean that we have more opportunities to talk about the history of "the Irish kilt" than we do about kilt wearing in any of these other countries. So why shouldn't the topic come up with semi-regularity?

I'll second my co-author's comments here and add that by attempting to determine the facts behind the Irish adoption of Highland attire, we are in no ways saying the Irish shouldn't wear kilts. If anything, the real history behind Irish kilts is just as fascinating than the storied myths that have grown up over the years.

As a historian by vocation & avocation, I frequently hear people dismiss my work as meaningless and irrelevant. As a genealogical librarian, I saw people become openly hostile when primary sources disproved family legends. It is hard to hear such comments and see such actions, but as a historian, my responsibility is to be as accurate and objective as possible, whilst also pragmatically accepting that humans are not perfect and objective.

INMHO, there is nothing wrong with having this discussion repeatedly regarding the history of Irish kilts & tartans.

T.

[McElmurry]

As a historian by vocation & avocation, I frequently hear people dismiss my work as meaningless and irrelevant.
T.

Your work is very relevant and of consistently high reliability. I appreciate your efforts and the work of other historians and genealogists.

My comments were meant to highlight one source of some of the frustration some folks seem to express not as an attack on the messengers.

[seanachie]

Also, unlike many of the other countries you mention, the kilt actually does have place in Irish history, although a somewhat smaller one than many people assume.

Well, that depends on what you consider small or large. Trying to stay within the boundaries here, nationalist kilt wearers played a significant role in events of modern Irish history. I learned this at a young age.

[macwilkin]

Well, that depends on what you consider small or large. Trying to stay within the boundaries here, nationalist kilt wearers played a significant role in events of modern Irish history. I learned this at a young age.

I don't believe Matt was talking about the role of the kilt wearers themselves, but rather the adoption of the kilt (and elements of Highland attire) by said Irish nationalists, or for that matter, the pipers of the Irish regiments in the First & Second World Wars.

T.