Wearing a tartan if not Celtic heritage

**Catdad** · 21st August 09, 02:20 PM

I have no Celtic heritage (I'm German) and haven't had any problems with people saying I shouldn't wear a certain tartan. That said, I do wear Black Stewart, Black Watch, Pride of Scotland, Flower of Scotland, Irish Saffron and Buchanan.

I'd better not show this to discussion to my wife because she'll want the purple one Scotus posted above.

**Scotus** · 21st August 09, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by Catdad

I'd better not show this to discussion to my wife because she'll want the purple one Scotus posted above.

It is a nice one, isn't it? So... it'd be a good thing if she saw and wanted it.

**Nighthawk** · 21st August 09, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by Wompet

Don't forget PA!
We do have one of the better state tartans (although I may be a bit biased about that

)

Yes, it's nice- but Colorado's is better.

Originally Posted by JRB

Your comment makes me wonder. Has anyone here ever encountered a Scot (or anyone else, for that matter) who was genuinly offended or upset at the sight of someone wearing a specific clan tartan who was not "entitled" to wear it? Other than the restricted tartans you mentioned I've never seen or heard of such an incident myself.

Anyways... I personally am of MacLeod ancestry. Do I get upset when I see someone else wearing a MacLeod tartan? No! I am as a matter of fact flattered that others may like any one of our 30 some tartans enough to spend the money on a kilt made from one! Now I'm not a native born Scot, but I have heard this same sentiment echoed by numerous people who are Scots, and not Coloradoans with Scots blood. So for what it's worth... And this goes along with what Jock has been saying as well.

Originally Posted by McMurdo

I would second the idea of an Isle of Skye kilt it really is a beautiful tartan here are a few photos.

As for the question about wearing either your mothers or fathers tartan it is my experience that you can wear either one.

Darn you, Murdo!! As if I don't already want one of those badly enough... When I bought my latest kilt, I only had money for on- IoS, my clan tartan, or my state. I chose my state... and I want one of those IoS's so bad...

***whine over***

**JRB** · 21st August 09, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Catdad

I have no Celtic heritage (I'm German) and haven't had any problems with people saying I shouldn't wear a certain tartan. That said, I do wear Black Stewart, Black Watch, Pride of Scotland, Flower of Scotland, Irish Saffron and Buchanan.

You also have this option to show your German pride...

German National Tartan

**macwilkin** · 21st August 09, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by JRB

You also have this option to show your German pride...

German National Tartan

Information: http://www.scottishtartans.org/german.htm

T.

**dfmacliam** · 21st August 09, 08:28 PM

There are so many options available for those who wish to wear a kilt without going for a clan tartan... and this thread has shown it.... State tartans, Heritage tartans... district tartans... all you have to do... is find a tartan you like or something you can find a connection with... and then kilt on...LOL..

**Rex_Tremende** · 22nd August 09, 06:21 AM

In another thread some time ago, I pondered this question and came to a conclusion:

Originally Posted by Rex_Tremende

I've probably mentioned it before, but the reason I came to kilts in the first place was because I saw them as an alternative to trousers, which, after taking stock of my closet one year, I realized I was totally bored with. I don't see myself as an iconoclast, just a bit of a clothes horse; I like to have options! In my mind at least, the kilt represented acceptable - if out of the ordinary - men's attire I could enjoy mixing it up with, sartorially speaking.

It wasn't until after I joined this group and began listening to others whose motivations were quite different that I started considering the reasons for wearing a kilt in a particular tartan. Many here are quite resolute that the only tartan one should wear should be their own family tartan. Which is fine, if you're Scottish or Scottish-descended and have a particular family tartan to call your own. (All others need not apply, I hear some of the most adamant imply.) Though it turns out I have what I believe to be a decent amount of Scottish ancestry, I don't particularly identify myself that way. Nevertheless, I enjoy playing along and learning about the customs and culture, adopting and employing elements that suit me on the way, doing my best to be appropriately respectful. I don't quite relate to those who wear their tartans like a flag, but I accept that they do.

Try as I might, I'm having trouble connecting with the existing tartans - mostly because they have meanings already ascribed to them. Of the seven tartan kilts that I have owned, currently- or will soon possess, there is only one through which I can draw a tenuous family connection, and it is a 20th century tartan, at that. Many tartans appeal to my eye, but not my soul.

So, I've concluded that maybe for me the best thing that I can do is to wear a tartan that I have designed myself, so that if someone asks, "Is that your family tartan?" I can say, "It is a personal tartan that I designed, and I wear it because it pleases me."

We go on later in the thread to discuss a particular design. As it happens, I've pulled the trigger on getting a finalized version of it woven and I intend to have it registered, perhaps as the Tartan for People with No Clan.

As soon as I can show you the pics, if you like it, you are welcome to wear it any time you like.

Regards,
Rex.

**2176agp** · 22nd August 09, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by peacekeeper83

There are so many options available for those who wish to wear a kilt without going for a clan tartan... and this thread has shown it.... State tartans, Heritage tartans... district tartans... all you have to do... is find a tartan you like or something you can find a connection with... and then kilt on...LOL..

I am seeing that to be sure! This has been a great thread and I thank all of you for your input.

I have settled on a MacBeth Ancient for kilt #2. Connection is the meaning of the 'word' MacBeth. As I said in another thread, I was looking for a tartan connected with my faith, and so as MacBeth means 'son of life' or figuratively, 'a religious man', its perfect for me.

Plus -- I just plain like it!

I wonder -- is this thread a candidate for a sticky?

Tony

**Pipey** · 22nd August 09, 07:21 AM

Three very nice universal tartans which won't break the bank are: Black Watch (a classic), Spirit of Scotland (purple, better not let your wife know Catdad) and Dark Island, a subtle black-on-black.