Chinese-Scottish Tartan

[Morris at Heathfield]

I can understand being put off by the intended symbolism in the the Chinese-Scottish tartan, but its colors are blue, white, green, red, and yellow, not just red and yellow (like Dress MacMillan). The vast majority of national flags use some subset of those colors, as do the vast majority of tartans. Viewed in that light, the major defect of the Chinese-Scottish tartan is that it's missing the color black.

[Raphael]

I can understand being put off by the intended symbolism in the the Chinese-Scottish tartan, but its colors are blue, white, green, red, and yellow, not just red and yellow (like Dress MacMillan). The vast majority of national flags use some subset of those colors, as do the vast majority of tartans. Viewed in that light, the major defect of the Chinese-Scottish tartan is that it's missing the color black.

I am please to see that Black wasn't included in the tartan as it is not a lucky colour.

[lethearen]

I can understand being put off by the intended symbolism in the the Chinese-Scottish tartan, but its colors are blue, white, green, red, and yellow, not just red and yellow (like Dress MacMillan). The vast majority of national flags use some subset of those colors, as do the vast majority of tartans. Viewed in that light, the major defect of the Chinese-Scottish tartan is that it's missing the color black.

So red and yellow for China, blue and white for Scotland... and green for... good fortune? buena mota?

Wzup with the green?

[Morris at Heathfield]

Wzup with the green?

Well, I can think of several things, but here's the official explanation, straight from Strathmore:

These are interwoven with green bands to symbolise the great co-operation between Scottish and Chinese botanists in the Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh - home to the world's largest collection of Chinese plants outside China itself.

[thoth51]

Ok, I feel I have to pipe up here...

The general wisdom here on choosing a tartan, if you do not have Scots heritage, is to pick one that holds meaning for you. At first glance this tartan may seem like a great choice for Chinese kilties. However, of the handful of Chinese XMTS members here, I believe most of us are Chinese by ethnicity but not by nationality. How comfortable would you be wearing the colours of a foreign country in your tartan, even if it is the country of your forefathers?

[Raphael]

Ok, I feel I have to pipe up here...

The general wisdom here on choosing a tartan, if you do not have Scots heritage, is to pick one that holds meaning for you. At first glance this tartan may seem like a great choice for Chinese kilties. However, of the handful of Chinese XMTS members here, I believe most of us are Chinese by ethnicity but not by nationality. How comfortable would you be wearing the colours of a foreign country in your tartan, even if it is the country of your forefathers?

You should look at the design as the symbol for Ethnicity than the country or the government. It doesn't matter what Nationality I am, I will always be Chinese first.

[Galician]

Ok, I feel I have to pipe up here...

The general wisdom here on choosing a tartan, if you do not have Scots heritage, is to pick one that holds meaning for you. At first glance this tartan may seem like a great choice for Chinese kilties. However, of the handful of Chinese XMTS members here, I believe most of us are Chinese by ethnicity but not by nationality. How comfortable would you be wearing the colours of a foreign country in your tartan, even if it is the country of your forefathers?

I would point out that Rocky produces kilts in the colors of the German flag for Americans of German ancestry to show pride in their heritage.

[thoth51]

I would point out that Rocky produces kilts in the colors of the German flag for Americans of German ancestry to show pride in their heritage.

Indeed. Let's just say the history and politics are a bit different for China and her diaspora.

[macwilkin]

Indeed. Let's just say the history and politics are a bit different for China and her diaspora.

Are you referring to the current government in "Mainland China" versus the exiled one on Taiwan?

T.

[Raphael]

I don't want to discuss politics, but I have to say this. Although I am not a supporter of the PRC Government, but I am proud to be Chinese. Lastly, wearing the tartan doesn't mean that you support a certain government. Just be proud of who you are.