What does "my clan" or "my chief" mean?

[wvpiper]

I didn't want to post this earlier since I have no comment regarding what tartan means to me, but now I see the thread has drifted a little so I will post my thoughts.

I post what I believe to be the truth regarding tartan and it's historical roots,or lack thereof, not b/c I want to bring anyone down, but b/c I want to be all inclusive and let other's know it's OK if you wear a something that doesn't conform to the 'generally accepted belief'

The piping community is full of know it all, narrow minded, oppressive conformers who,in my mind, put a lot of pressure on others. I was so concerned about what tartan I would wear, or frankly whether I should even wear a kilt at all. I wasn't sure if my Scottish ancestors were Highlanders or wore kilts, or were in clans, etc. I don't like pretending to be something that I am not. That's just me.

When I came across Matthew Newsome's articles, and his blog, a tremendous burden was lifted from me. His infectious enthusiasm for the kilt-any kilt- and his education on what is historically accurate, has enabled me to decide I can do pretty much what I please, and can't be wrong. Solid kilts, tweed kilts, 4 yd kilts, 5 yd kilts. I am armed for the inevitable debate about what is 'traditional' or what's 'right'.

Do I completely ignore clan attachments to tartan-no. Does it drive how I think and feel, about what I will wear or what others should wear, no.

To each their own, to thine own self be true.

Slainte

[Mael Coluim]

I belong to three clan societies; MacCallum Malcolm, Donnachaidh and Gordon. With each one I have an ancestor with that name, my surname Malcolm, my mother’s mother a Robertson and my father’s father’ mother a Morris. By belonging to each of them it gives me a sense of who I am; a shared heritage and belonging. I wear the tartan of each and wear other tartans as well. I must confess though when I wear my XMTS tartan kilt I have a sense more of belonging than the others. My interaction (online and up close and personal) is more with this group of online brethren than my own flesh and blood.