A question to stump the tartan experts.

[gilmore]

Dread my friend, this is a stretch to end all stretches. The Russian word "cossack" came from observing the Kazakh nomads in Central Asia, and in Russian was originally used as a reference to serfs who fled to the East of Beyond to live without masters. Originally the word came from a Turkic phrase meaning "free man." Now, if you hie yesel over to www.district-tartans.com and click on tartan finder, then Europe, and then Kazakhstan, you'll see an artifact tartan, in blue and gold and black. It's listed as a Kazakhstan tartan, but that's just because it was found there. Who knows what tribe wove it? From the Kazakh nomads to the Cossacks in one easy step, and playing off the "free man" or "independent spirit" to the gypsy/Roma blood you've got . . . Matt Newsome lists this tartan as available woven to order, and I know someone who'd be willing to go in with you on the order. In fact, I actually AM someone who'd be willing to go in with you on the order.

However, I have also heard that the gypsies originated in India (allegedly proven through linguistic regression . . . ). Could a madras print possibly be appropriate?

Just throwing out ideas, amigo!

But weren't Cossack troops used by the Tsars and others to persecute/exterminate Gypsies and Jews during the progroms?

[Kid Cossack]

Gilmore:

But weren't Cossack troops used by the Tsars and others to persecute/exterminate Gypsies and Jews during the progroms?

Indeed they were used against Gypsies and Jews, during the Pogroms and I believe Cossacks served in SS divisions during World War 2/The Great Patriotic War. THAT is nothing that I honor with my nom du internete. Rather, I honor a) the birthplace of my wife (Kazakhstan), b) the blood of my wife (Russian with a Cossack strain), and c) the idea of a free man, not beholden to any lord or master (on this Earth).

It is a rare people indeed whose history may be closely examined and found to be without blemish. I try to learn, positively, from what was honorable, and negatively from what was dishonorable.

There are reliable reports of Marines during World War 2 taking ears and skulls as trophies in the Pacific Campaign---that is not the reason I wear the Leatherneck tartan with pride (or the USMC uniform with pride, before that); the Black Watch participated in the Clearances----that is not the reason I wear the Black Watch tartan; and the Irish Republican Army attacked civilian infrastructure and planted bombs in cities----that is not the reason I wear the Irish National tartan.

Besides, the tartan I was recommending was more Kazakh than Cossack!

[Warlock]

Honour is a gift a man gives to himself! It is the one thing that no one can take away. Honour your ancestry any way that you see fit.