The "Don of Fear"

[Mel1721L]

I still get nervous wearing mine, but mainly because I have no Scottish ancestry, only Welsh through my mothers side and the wearing of the kilt by the Welsh is new. My family plaid is only 12 years old. Although I understand it is becoming more popular in Wales, the wearing of it is probably down to a few eccentrics like myself. My biggest worry is hearing "Nice kilt" from a heavilly accented Scot, who I then feel I almost have to appologise to and explain my plaid is Welsh but so far they've all been great about it.

[Father Bill]

Basic rule of politics may well apply here: "Never apologize; never explain."

[Mel1721L]

Basic rule of politics may well apply here: "Never apologize; never explain."

Easier said than done.

[tpa]

Excellent advice I think I'll wave at those who stare as well The baggy pants look seems to be ending, and 'brothas' have gone the other end of the spectrum, and are wearing skinny jeans
with skirt-like 'aprons' front and back

The skirt-like aprons would be quite appropriate for those who, in the UK at least, wear their baggy pants with their waistband half way down their bum. You can achieve the same, presumably free feeling, by wearing a kilt; then at least when most people look at you it won't be with mild revulsion. (I have a son who falls into the baggy pants down the bum look and regrettably it is showing no signs of disappearing any time soon.)

[KentuckyCeltophile]

I still get nervous wearing mine, but mainly because I have no Scottish ancestry, only Welsh through my mothers side and the wearing of the kilt by the Welsh is new. My family plaid is only 12 years old. Although I understand it is becoming more popular in Wales, the wearing of it is probably down to a few eccentrics like myself. My biggest worry is hearing "Nice kilt" from a heavilly accented Scot, who I then feel I almost have to appologise to and explain my plaid is Welsh but so far they've all been great about it.

I was told by our guide whilst in Scotland that William Wallace's family was Welsh and came to Scotland later. If that is true then the Welsh and Scots have common ground. Not sure how the Scots feel about that, but they do share links in their history. Maybe another conversation starter.

KC

[Phillip1114]

Hi Kentucky, I have only been wearing my kilt for a few months now and I totally understand the "Don of Fear". I have found that the more I wear it out the more comfortable I am with it. I also try not to look at people when I'm out, I tend to do what I'm doing and tune out ones around me that helps me ignore any stares. I have been asked to pose for pictures by strangers and they will ask you about the kilt. So far I have had no problem out of people while wearing it, I even wore it to church on Tartan day, THAT was a big step because I live in Alabama and go to a Baptist church, I didn't know if I'd get thrown out or not but everyone loved it.
The way I look at it is life is short and we should be happy while we are here and not worry about what others think of us. The kilt is a Man's garment and we should be proud to wear it. I plan on wearing mine more.

[ASinclair]

Hi Kentucky, I have only been wearing my kilt for a few months now and I totally understand the "Don of Fear". I have found that the more I wear it out the more comfortable I am with it. I also try not to look at people when I'm out, I tend to do what I'm doing and tune out ones around me that helps me ignore any stares. I have been asked to pose for pictures by strangers and they will ask you about the kilt. So far I have had no problem out of people while wearing it, I even wore it to church on Tartan day, THAT was a big step because I live in Alabama and go to a Baptist church, I didn't know if I'd get thrown out or not but everyone loved it.
The way I look at it is life is short and we should be happy while we are here and not worry about what others think of us. The kilt is a Man's garment and we should be proud to wear it. I plan on wearing mine more.

I had to Google Mulga, and I see it is just west of Birmingham. I'm originally from Mobile. Good for you, Phillip1114.

[Benning Boy]

I still get nervous wearing mine, but mainly because I have no Scottish ancestry, . . .

Are your wearing a kilt for yourself, or are you wearing it for others? Are there Kilt Kops in Spain?

[Calgacus]

I was told by our guide whilst in Scotland that William Wallace's family was Welsh and came to Scotland later. If that is true then the Welsh and Scots have common ground. Not sure how the Scots feel about that, but they do share links in their history. Maybe another conversation starter.

KC

I'm not sure that's entirely true. My understanding is that the words 'Wales' and 'Wallace' are derived from the Saxon word for 'foreigner'. It was applied by the Saxons to all their neighbours, essentially all the non-Saxon natives in surrounding lands. 'Bob Wallace' therefore translates as something like 'Bob the foreigner' or 'Bob the native'. It doesn't mean that William Wallace's ancestors originated in Wales (Cymru), but I would think it implies that his ancestors were of native rather than Saxon origin.

[KentuckyCeltophile]

I'm not sure that's entirely true. My understanding is that the words 'Wales' and 'Wallace' are derived from the Saxon word for 'foreigner'. It was applied by the Saxons to all their neighbours, essentially all the non-Saxon natives in surrounding lands. 'Bob Wallace' therefore translates as something like 'Bob the foreigner' or 'Bob the native'. It doesn't mean that William Wallace's ancestors originated in Wales (Cymru), but I would think it implies that his ancestors were of native rather than Saxon origin.

Sounds good to me. So Mel1721L, I guess that may not be a good conversation starter between Scots and Welsh. lol