Masonic Tartan

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Considering the price of the fabric, I'd suppose this idea to be prohibitively expensive for all except the filthy rich.

I'm currently making a kilt from tartan someone sent me (not the Mason tartan) that he had left over from a bolt after uphostering his living room furniture. It has been done!

Aye,
Matt

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Thanks guys.

Hey... I've seen some REAL strange rules for some tartans in doing my research over the last year. Eventhough I've been instructed to concentrate on the kilt construction, it's impossible to avoid the stories behind the tartans. Sure, it's not as "enforced" in North America as it is across the seas... but I'm NOT going to be the guy that hasn't researched the information and sold a "blind kilt".

Past threads have PLEADED with guys to "Know Your Tartan" which only leads you to respect the traditions and heritage. When you understand the struggles, the significance and the heritage... you can look at YOUR kilts with pride and "smarts". What's wrong with that? I wear my Irish National and Cameron kilts MUCH pride. Because of the cultural significance, I'm wearing my "heart on my sleeve".

There's a R-E-S-P-E-C-T that's inherent with kilts. Sorry to blow that "wear what you want" attitude... but it IS there... especially with certain tartans.

Wonder why UtiliKilts markets their solids the way they do? This thread is just one good example of what they're able to avoid.

[Doc Hudson]

I'm currently making a kilt from tartan someone sent me (not the Mason tartan) that he had left over from a bolt after uphostering his living room furniture. It has been done!

Aye,
Matt

I'll bet you a ten spot to a doughnut that the living room ain't in a shotgun shack!

[sav]

Jimmy,
You hit the nail on the head! For me, wearing a specific tartan, and knowing/appreciating its significance is one of the joys of wearing a kilt. As much as I can appreciate the markets for solid contemporaries, when I put on my Military Gordon or Royal Air Force traditionals, I can truly feel the connection to my great-grandfather's and grandfather's (respectively) service. Similarly, I'm sure that masons who wear this tartan feel a similar satisfaction in knowing that they represent their organization.
~Sav

[billmcc]

D'oh... let me clarify what I meant by that one. It's not about an "authentic kiltmaker" so much as an "authentic kilt".

What that meant was... are there kilts that would be considered inappropriate? The Masons would know the intricacies of an authentic Masons kilt, whereas someone that makes casual kilts may not. I doubt that a SportKilt in the Masons Tartan would be received very well.;)

Jimmy,

There is no special or "authentic" Masonic kilt. I know of no Masonic ceremony where a kilt is worn. Most Masons wouldn't know a good kilt from a bad kilt.

When attending lodge, Masons wear whatever clothing they think is appropriate. Some Masons choose to wear highland clothing.

The Masonic Grand Lodge of Scotland tartan and the Freemason's Universal tartan are intended to be worn by any Mason. I know nothing about the Grand Lodge of Canada tartan.

[Mike1]

But it is the religious elements within Masonry that present the problem. I could quote various authorities within Masonry that speak of it in very religious terms, but I'll share that information in PM if you are interested. I don't think it pertains here. In fact, if you want to continue this line of discussion, I'd be glad to, but let's take it PM.

Matt, I think this is a good idea.

I am definitely no expert on tartans, because I am not involved in that field. And no way would I question your authority, as I am not educated enough to do so.

Some of your "observations" of Freemasonry are well off-base, for the same reason. How could you know, not being involved, right? But, as both a pastor and a Past Master of my Lodge, I can spot the errors in a heartbeat.

Methinks the thread about the tartan can be a good one, whilst the comments about the tenents of Freemasonry are best left to other forums. ;)

Mike

[Jimmy Carbomb]

There is no special or "authentic" Masonic kilt. I know of no Masonic ceremony where a kilt is worn. Most Masons wouldn't know a good kilt from a bad kilt.

Away from this thread, I have been given information that tells me that there are Masonic Kilts and tartan specifics with some of the regalia. It's NOT a normal situation with the tartans, or the construction. THAT'S what I was looking for. Being of its origin, I would think that it is important... so that's why I was asking the Masonic Members.

Unfortunately, the specifics were given to me "in confidence" as a kilt maker and the grandson of a Grand Master in Ontario. I'm not at liberty to re-post the specifics, but Todd may be able to "enlighten" some to the local specifics if you're so inclined to ask.

I wish we still had the Galleries so that I could post the picture of my Grandfather in his "stuff". GOOD NIGHT it was ornate!!!

[Jerry]

Quote:
JerMc: yes, the OES is a "ladies auxillary" of the masons, although masons themselves may join as well.

Thanks for the information. Like I said before, even if it is an open tartan, I would not feel right about wearing it, anymore than I would feel I had a right to wear my grandfather's Masonic ring.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Thanks for the information. Like I said before, even if it is an open tartan, I would not feel right about wearing it, anymore than I would feel I had a right to wear my grandfather's Masonic ring.

I've been thinking about this lately, and I think it might help to clarify some past statements of mine, just in case there was any confusion.

I have said numerous times on this board that there is no such thing as a "right" or an "entitlement" to wear a tartan. There are no laws regardnig this, and you can wear any tartan you choose.

Now, all of the above is true. If you wanted to come into a tartan shop, flip through their swatch books, and pick out a tartan to wear based purely on aesthetics and not even look at the name, you are certainly welcome to do so.

However, that being said, it is equally important to remember that tartans do, in contemporary usage, represent something. And when you wear a tartan, you are identifying yourself with whatever that tartan represents -- to others who see you, if not in your own mind. So obviously if one were a MacNaughton, one would be vastly more inclined to wear a MacNaughton tartan than a MacKenzie. It would seem odd for someone who is not a Mason to go through the trouble of having a kilt made in the Mason tartan, if one is not actually a Mason.

So even though one does not have to have a special right or entitlement to wear a tartan, and the choice of tartan is entirely personal, it only stands to reason that you are going to pick a tartan that is of some signifigance to you.
But your reasons are your own.

So saying that anyone can wear a particular tartan does not mean everyone should wear that tartan.

Aye,
Matt

[Doc Hudson]

Quote:
JerMc: yes, the OES is a "ladies auxillary" of the masons, although masons themselves may join as well.

Actually, an Order of the Eastern Star meeting could not be conviened without the presence of at least one Mason until very recently.