The Varieties of Traditional Experience: To Jabot or not To Jabot

**Zardoz** · 2nd December 10, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by Cygnus

I dislike it because it is an obvious mimicry of how some of the highest and most esteemed military and social honours are displayed. It just smacks of somebody wearing medals that they didn't earn and telling tall tales of their "exploits" to anyone who will listen.

And just when I was thinking about getting one to replace the damaged ribbon on my 'social honor'

**davidlpope** · 2nd December 10, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by CDNSushi

Just found this thread -- was hoping I'd get a bit more info, but not yet. I'm terribly curious as to why everyone finds the ceangail so repugnant and off-putting?

Three reasons-

1. It's brigadoonery. It appears that some American has taken it upon themselves to "improve" Highland Dress (or some sort of pan-celtic dress, since the fellow's website seems to be a confused mix of Highland attire and "Irish kilts"

) by inventing this thing with absolutely no basis for existing. Giving it a Gaelic name continues the charade. Can you even imagine trying to explain this bit of quack get-up to a real Highlander??? This is the same sort of problem that makes American Highland Games more like a Halloween costume party and less like a celebration of Scottish culture.

2. It's misleading. At first glance this thing looks like a legitimate honor or award. Upon close inspection, it's just a dolled-up clan badge or piece of military insignia (don't get me started on wearing uniform items with civilian dress!) and a bit of ribbon.

3. It's silly, ugly, and expensive. I think it looks absolutely awful and silly when compared with traditional highland evening dress. Plus, you're going to spend between $25 and $45 for something you could make in about an hour out of things that you probably already have laying around? Wear a jabot, black tie, or white tie, as appropriate, as Scots have done for centuries.

David