What does the "dicing" mean?

[Jock Scot]

Just an observation.I have never heard of the Diced(pro Crown/government) and the un diced(anti crown/government) spoken of, the other way around.I can assure you that many a mild mannered Highlander will tell you just what you can do with a diced(civilian)bonnet.It will take just five words!

[macwilkin]

I recall reading, somewhere in my travels, the origins of dicing (partially) had religious implications.
According to what I read, dicing indicated protestant affiliation, no dicing displayed catholic affiliation.
Any truth to this?

Just an observation.I have never heard of the Diced(pro Crown/government) and the un diced(anti crown/government) spoken of, the other way around.

Jock,

Please don't think I'm discrediting your observation; on the contrary.

Do I ever think we'll find the answer to the question? Probably not. If anything, this shows how many different meanings people can assign to a simple piece of headgear.

My thoughts: while dicing many not have any hidden political statements per se, its de facto association with the Scottish Regiments of the British Army have led to the belief, regardless of when it orginated, that dicing indicates loyalty to the British Crown. Some today may choose to wear or not to wear diced glengarries or balmorals because of this association, and others may simply not care, but like the "jaunty look" of a diced glen or balmoral. Personally, I prefer diced glengarries and plain balmorals. So I suppose I can sing "The White Cockade" and "God Save the King" with equal enthusiasm, to paraphrase the movie "The Outlaw Josie Wales".

If nothing else, we've contributed to the folklore of Highland dress with this discussion, and that's a good thing.

Cheers,

Todd