A few thoughts on choice and selection: tartan, clans, etc.

[StevieR]

I would be very interested to hear the opinions and views of Native Scots regarding the aesthetics of family tartans. For example, if Mr MacOnion isn't fond of the MacOnion tartan then what's he to do? Wear Blackwatch or some other universal sett?

I always felt a tiny, ennsy, weensy bit left out until I was able to get a kilt in a tartan to which I have a direct familial connection (which I should receive it the day after my B-Day. Very good news! )

(Some jesting ahead...)
Btw, Mr MacOnion gets used as an example a whole lot around these boards. I propose that Mr MacOnion be declared our official mascot in honour of his service.

If Mr. MacOnion doesn't like the MacOnion tartan, he wears it anyway. That's my way of thinking, at least. I can understand wanting to wear a universal or regional sett - who doesn't like Isle of Skye? As an occasional alternative, yes. Instead of a family tartan because you don't fancy MacOnion sky blue pink - no. Mr. MacOnion might of course still have a choice. Dress or Hunting MacOnion, ancient or modern, muted or weathered

I'd suggest though, that MacOnion does like his tartan. He likes it because it is his.

[TheOfficialBren]

If Mr. MacOnion doesn't like the MacOnion tartan, he wears it anyway. That's my way of thinking, at least. I can understand wanting to wear a universal or regional sett - who doesn't like Isle of Skye? As an occasional alternative, yes. Instead of a family tartan because you don't fancy MacOnion sky blue pink - no. Mr. MacOnion might of course still have a choice. Dress or Hunting MacOnion, ancient or modern, muted or weathered

I'd suggest though, that MacOnion does like his tartan. He likes it because it is his.

Hmm...sound thinking, sir. I can say that I am quite grateful that whoever designed our tartans over the years did a fine job. They happen to be among my favourites (even objectively setting aside my own personal bias ) and incorporate my favourite colours (blue, green, red, black) in proportions that I like. It must run in the family. Lol.

[David Thorpe]

IMHO, this can be a case of cart before the horse. The kilt and tartan are an integral part of clan and family tradition, however recent and mythical its origins may be. While I like the aesthetics of many tartans, clan and otherwise, I wear those of my clan with pride. It isn't a fashion statement, but rather a recognition of who I am, who my family are and from whence we came.
Again IMHO, those who have a clan connection but choose a tartan not their own for aesthetic reasons miss the point entirely.
I fully understand that others' opinions differ and respect their freedom to feel differently.

[MacLowlife]

To some degree, our tastes are influenced by familiarity. If the McOnions expose their child to the clan tartan early and often, he may like it despite his other aesthetic ideas. Of course, he may fancy himself rebellious and not like it at all. Colors do go in and out of fashion, though trees and animals seldom change their colors accordingly. The leopard cannot choose another tartan. Jeremiah 13:23