Your opinions, please.

[DireStraitsFan]

I have a few questions regarding tartans, and ancestry that I would like all of your opinions on, please.

My surname is a toponym and is derived from Old English and/or Old Norse. My family has an oral tradition of Irish ancestry, and my aunt has begun to confirm this with her research. I also have Mathews in my blood, which (depending who you talk to) can be identified as Scottish, Welsh, or English.

Basically, I am a certified British Iles mutt.

The question is simple: without an easily identifiable Scottish surname, which Tartan would you guys wear?

I have read Matt Newsome's article about choosing whatever you like, but if you wanted at least one kilt in a tartan that means something to you, which do you choose. Your opinions are all much appreciated. Have a blessed day.

[3fingerslinger]

Can't go wrong with a Black Watch tartan--------or you could look at Stillwater kilts site and get a Nightstalker----you say you have some Irish background so how about an Irish National tartan or Saffron-----or go with a plain non-tartan kilt (saffron---green----black or whatever)
Good luck, plenty of choices out there......

[haukehaien]

Besides the family/clan tartans, there are district tartans, including Irish County tartans. If you have an idea of what region your family was from, those might provide a nice connection. There are also the fashion/universal tartans, like "Pride of Scotland" and so forth; these might be good choices for you. Or there are USA Kilts has some nice registered tartans for Americans, people with German in their background, firefighters, or people who are Mary Stewart available; these sorts of things may appeal to you.

The tartan of one of the Highland regiments may appeal, if you either had an ancestor who served or simply have a respect for these fighting men, in which case you may want to wear Gordon, Black Watch, Seaforth or another.

Find a connection, of heritage or interests, with a group that has a tartan of its own, whether clan, society or whatever, and you'll have a kilt that means something to you.

[McMurdo]

There are several district tartans, as well there are universal tartans such as the Royal Stewart you could go for one of those also there is the Bluebonnet tartan, official tartan of Texas:

[Cage]

If you're unsure and would rather hold off until you know for sure, I think the district route would work. I'm rather fond of the "Texas Bluebonnet" and it's at the top of my list.

edited note: ah I see McMurdo beat me too it.

[DireStraitsFan]

I am a service member, so I like that idea. I also like the county connection. I just need to figure out which county we're connected to! Thanks.

edit:

Wow! I like the bluebonnet tartan also! I bet those special tartans would cost a bundle to have woven into a kilt, though.

[ccga3359]

Aside from Balmoral pick one and wear it. When I first started wearing kilts (and before I joined XMarks) I was in the same boat. I'm English born as is my lineage. I started of with the black Shadow SWK (Stillwater Kilts). Then a caramel cotton duck (Carhardt material), then a desert camouflage from Freedom Kilts. Being Canadian I eventually went with the Maple Leaf (our National tartan). I have a further choice of any provincial tartan (I'm eyeing Ontario). It was not until my third kilt did I go tartan and a district one at that. I'm looking at Isle of Skye but have Order a Matt Newsome Ancient MacLachlan. This last one is my first foray into clan tartans and I have no other connection to clan MacLachlan aside that close friends are, and out of respect for them and their late Mother I shall wear it with pride. No one can deny me wearing it except for maybe the clan chief. By wearing it with pride and respect, if he does says anything I'll offer my allegience to the clan.

Just a long winded way of saying wear what you want but wear it with respect, unless of course you decide on Balmoral. Then the Queen will hunt you down and deny you permission with her jewel encrusted sceptre.

Welcome from Ontario, Canada.

[arrogcow]

There are many non afiliated tartans that are available as well. My favorite (that I own) is the Braveheart tartan .


Adam

[James MacMillan]

There is no reason that you can't wear any tartan that you like. If someone thinks otherwise, they are just not aware.

Wear what you want!

[McGurk]

I know what its like to want a tartan that means something, even though you can rightfully where any you like. Therefore, I make this suggestion.

Follow your geneology up the paternal side untill you find a name with its own tartan, or associated with a clan with a tartan. (I did this, but also followed up the maternal side as well, as my female ancestors played no smaller role then the males, you may wish to do the same).

Also look at the tartans for the country/county/city your ancesters where from.

Look at the tartans for the country/state/county/city you're from.

This will give you a lot of tartans to look at, but it will have eliminated many more, and they should all be relivent, and a decent point of conversations should anyone ask. Simply chose the one you like the best from the range you've put together.

I personaly ended up with Irish national, as it was one of the most easily available and and the best quality of the they easily available ones. (also, I think it looks better then the clan tartan I could have chosen.)