Too Traditional?

[Bugbear]

I really enjoy a discussion like this for many reasons. First of all it satisfies my curiosity about THCD in a way that no amount of Googling or time in the library ever could and secondly, I'm in such good company Being an academic-in-training helps with the desire to learn, the way to form good questions, and a pinch of Socratic method

You're much better at extracting information from traditionalists than I ever was, CMcG. While your academic experience probably helps, I suspect you are also much more familiar with the Highland attire traditions than some of us, and know what questions to ask…
Although, MacLowlife seems to know more than he lets on, too…

[CMcG]

...
1) Anyone who holds an inherited title, especially one tied to ancestral lands, can probably wear what he wants without appearing costumey- ...

2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

I'm going to side with MacLowlife on these two points. Here are a few reasons why and some caveats.

The influence of people with inherited titles on THCD cannot be underestimated i.e. King George IV and Queen Victoria. On Xmarks we often (rightly) hold up examples of lords, dukes, chiefs, etc as paragons of traditional Highland style. They are in a certain sense, however, always on duty, especially at the public events where people take pictures of them in their kilts. As such, many of them tend towards the more "florid" end of the scale. In as much as the majority of our great Rabble have no such position or obligation, I don't think we need to hold ourselves to the same standards.

In other words, if someone wants to dress like a person with an inherited title they can go ahead and do so. In order to just dress traditionally though, one does not have to be as traditional as the nobility. Perhaps we ought to pass those excellent photographic and old portraits (MacLeay's Highlanders anyone?) examples of Highland finery through a mental filter of good old banality.

As for the walking stick, if one has a practical use for one (or at least appear like you might) then go for it. If not, it looks a bit affected because just wearing a traditional kilt doesn't require one. If one doesn't mind dressing with a bit of whimsy, a bit of panac... er "flair" then they are also excused from injunctions against strict practicality. The point is that, traditionally, a walking stick is used as a walking aid, for leaning on, or perhaps for herding sheep.

...

And I had a much better picture taken, with the same pose. I'm now wondering if my gear looks too... fresh out of the box... to folks. Haha The kilt's only about five years old, the jacket and waistcoat, though freshly altered, are only a year and a half new, sporran from Christmas, etc... I've been kilting regularly for a decade, but I'll admit that a lot of the gear below is pretty new...

I think there are enough contemporary touches (recently designed tartan, sporran material, dark shirt colour) and historical flourishes (sporran design, garter ties) that your look is definitely not too traditional. It is, rather, traditional enough, with some room for "improvement" As such, the newness of the items doesn't seem contrived; it comes off as personalized. If you were carrying a cromach for show though... watch out

[David Thorpe]

As for the walking stick, if one has a practical use for one (or at least appear like you might) then go for it. If not, it looks a bit affected because just wearing a traditional kilt doesn't require one. If one doesn't mind dressing with a bit of whimsy, a bit of panac... er "flair" then they are also excused from injunctions against strict practicality. The point is that, traditionally, a walking stick is used as a walking aid, for leaning on, or perhaps for herding sheep.

Due to physical issues, I depend on a cane for mobility, and also have a lovely walking stick which belonged to my wife's grandfather. For "normal", casual day wear, I go with the cane. It's anodized aluminum - definitely non-traditional. For formal occasions and special events, I am honored to use the heirloom staff.

Thanks for helping put this issue in perspective.

[Tobus]

2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

I disagree with this. I mean, we're wearing kilts, sporrans, and all other accoutrements of traditional Highland dress. If a walking stick is really the item that gives you pause, perhaps you're overthinking it.

[creagdhubh]

I disagree with this. I mean, we're wearing kilts, sporrans, and all other accoutrements of traditional Highland dress. If a walking stick is really the item that gives you pause, perhaps you're overthinking it.

I agree with you, Tobus and I completely disagreed with the above quoted statement as well. Cromachs (or perhaps another style of walking stick) with Highland day attire are just as traditional and appropriate as a smart, tweed 'Argyll' jacket and waistcoat, or any other accoutrement in regards to tradtional Highland dress.

Cheers,

[creagdhubh]

Here are several examples, with Sandy (JSFMACLJR) and I featured in the first photo:












Cheers,

[Dale Seago]

Cromachs (or perhaps another style of walking stick) with Highland day attire are just as traditional and appropriate as a smart, tweed 'Argyll' jacket and waistcoat, or any other accoutrement in regards to tradtional Highland dress.

Depending simply on how they're used, they can be totally practical. . .




(Edited to add one more pic)








. . .or primarily a display of, um, flair:

[creagdhubh]

Precisely Dale, well said and wonderful photos!

Cheers,

[CMcG]

I disagree with this. I mean, we're wearing kilts, sporrans, and all other accoutrements of traditional Highland dress. If a walking stick is really the item that gives you pause, perhaps you're overthinking it.

Context and circumstances. I don't think a walking stick, in and of itself, gives me pause, rather it can be the proverbial straw that breaks the camels back when combined with every other bit of traditional kit one can put into an outfit. Also, it is an odd perception that a walking stick is somehow a required item for THCD, when it really is optional and best suited to situations where it is being useful, instead of just being an accessory.

I agree with you, Tobus and I completely disagreed with the above quoted statement as well. Cromachs (or perhaps another style of walking stick) with Highland day attire are just as traditional and appropriate as a smart, tweed 'Argyll' jacket and waistcoat, or any other accoutrement in regards to tradtional Highland dress.

Cheers,

The cromach is certainly one of the traditional accoutrements, which seems especially popular for leaning on at a Highland Games. I can't help but notice, however, that the majority of the pics you posted all feature either older gentlemen or people officiating at the Games, i.e. people who either may actually require them or are expected to take their attire up a notch...

. . .or primarily a display of, um, flair:

I think ninjas get a special dispensation for that type of "flair" But you also qualify under the "hip replacement surgery" and "over 60" clauses

[Jock Scot]

I think one needs to exert a tadd of common sense with THCD and the cromach is a useful example.

For some, on some occasions, the cromach is a necessary prop(in a theatrical sense). The Clan Chief on show ,for example.

For some, a cromach is a necessary prop (in a literal sense). A chap with shrapnel in his hip, for example.

For some, on occasion a cromach is a useful tool. Walking across moor and stream, for example.

For some, on occasion the cromach is an unnecessary affectation and therefore of doubtful traditional value.

Judgement and yes, experience, is the key to much of the appropriateness for kilt attire.