Wearing kilts of other tartans than your clans.

[JSFMACLJR]

post deleted

[gilmore]

I suppose that is true for the mindset of most in the modern world, a new tradition of clan tartans is real, in a sense.
But it stems from misconceptions and myths, and therefore, though it may be a tradition, it's one for the ill-informed.

I also suppose that it was not actually a tradition in the old days, but rather, a trend and consequently, a custom.

You really should have a look at albanach.org, scottishtartans.org, kiltmaker.blogspot.com, or simply speak to Mr. Matthew A.C. Newsome, of the Scottish tartans museum, he's very good with that stuff.

Please note that I have nothing against you, or am arguing with you, it's just that this notion of clan tartans being ancient and all simply isn't true.

I always find it amusing that people who claim that the pedigree of clan tartans isn't old usually can't trace their own pedigree to half that age.

[Bugbear]

I always find it amusing that people who claim that the pedrigree of clan tartans isn't old usually can't trace their own pedigree to half that age.

Or it's been made up and stretched to wear the tartan someone wants to wear because they like the way it looks.

[Nighthawk]

No, the traditional thing to do is to wear your clan tartan, or barring that, a district tartan.

The one thing that you're missing in this statement is that, while this is a tradition, it is a recent one. If you want to go with older traditions, the tradition is in fact to wear the one that you like best. You have to remember the whole point of tartan in the first place- it was used as camoflage- not fashion. I have a MacKenzie weathered because it makes great camoflage in the Rockies. One tradition doesn't trump another.

Oh, and Jock- what you said makes a lot of sense. I personally, like I said, only want one clan tartan- my own- but it was for a differerent reason. I now have a much better insight about the reason behind the tradition. So thank you.

[macwilkin]

The one thing that you're missing in this statement is that, while this is a tradition, it is a recent one. If you want to go with older traditions, the tradition is in fact to wear the one that you like best. You have to remember the whole point of tartan in the first place- it was used as camoflage- not fashion. I have a MacKenzie weathered because it makes great camoflage in the Rockies. One tradition doesn't trump another.

Actually, clan tartans were used as fashion first. Remember that the concept of clan tartans originated from weaving firms such as Wm. Wilson's of Bannockburn as a way to sell more tartans, and were adopted over time as symbols of clans, districts, etc.

Also, the idea of camoflage is a recent one -- in 18th century warfare, you didn't hide behind foliage, you stuck out as a form of psychological warfare. While the Government Sett appears to be a form of camoflage, look at the uniform it was worn with -- the famous red coat of the British Army. Or better yet, look at this famous painting of a Jacobite "Highland charge" at Culloden:

http://www.marariley.net/celtic/images/culloden.jpg

Not much camo there.

While it is true that the first tartans were "district" tartans in the sense that one wore whatever was produced in your area, the camoflage analogy doesn't really "fly" to me.

Regards,

Todd

[gilmore]

<<<Quote:
Originally Posted by JSFMACLJR
No, the traditional thing to do is to wear your clan tartan, or barring that, a district tartan.

The one thing that you're missing in this statement is that, while this is a tradition, it is a recent one. >>>

200 years is "recent?"

<<<If you want to go with older traditions, the tradition is in fact to wear the one that you like best. You have to remember the whole point of tartan in the first place- it was used as camoflage- not fashion. >>>

One of the oldest tartans is the red Morrison, from the mid 18th century. A more vibrant and raucous collection of colors you probably haven't seen.

[Bugbear]

Don't forget the Black Watch and Gordon Highlander for those who have served and that kind of tartan. I'm also thinking of the Leatherneck tartan etc.

[Bugbear]

I have no idea; can't look at the pictures.

[gilmore]

I have no idea; can't look at the pictures.

O, right, sorry, I forgot.

It's a news story about two tartans designed by the abbot of Samye Ling, a Buddhist monastery in Eskadelmuir in Dumfries-shire. One is in shades of red for lining the robes of monks and nuns, while the other is for lay people, in the five colors of the Tibetan spectrum, yellow, red, blue, green and white.

[Bugbear]

Yes, that's it... or them.