Knowing which Clan tartan you should wear...

**Offline** · 22nd May 13, 08:29 AM

The more I get into my genealogy, the more it points to our origins in Scotland. I am almost 100% that we Downey's hail from the east coast of Scotland in Angus. This would mean that we fell under Clan Lindsay.

If I were to choose a tartan to wear, proudly of course, would it be Clan Lindsay?

I know I can wear most any of them but I want to be as historically accurate as possible. I want my kids to know their history and so forth. I want to get an order for my clan tartan for me, my wee little man, a dress for my little lass and a shawl for my beautiful wife so I need to get this right!

Thank you all in advance for the help!

Kraig

**Grizzly** · 22nd May 13, 08:38 AM

This page may help-
http://www.houseofnames.com/downey-family-crest

Good luck with your research.

**Chas** · 22nd May 13, 08:42 AM

Downie or Downey is a sept of Clan Lindsay.

Regards

Chas

**Grizzly** · 22nd May 13, 08:47 AM

Lol I was also going to suggest that you ask Chas, as he has a veritable encyclopaedic knowledge and database of Clan surnames, but he beat me too it. That's 1-1 Chas

**Offline** · 22nd May 13, 08:57 AM

So I would be wearing the Lindsay Tartan then? That would be my Clan Tartan?

**Jock Scot** · 22nd May 13, 09:16 AM

I don't wish to rain on your parade, but in truth, not necessarily. Your ancestors may well have come from another part of Scotland completely, but ------but given the lack of concrete evidence, go with the information that you have and wear the Lindsay tartan, if that is what you wish. Many are happily wearing tartans based on less evidence than you have.

**Bluescelt** · 22nd May 13, 09:34 AM

Lindsay is a more common tartan and at the games I've been to they usually have a good selection of Lindsay items. If you are looking good for quality and fit you may want to have your tartan items made vs off the rack. You'll get a better fit and usually much higher quality too. Another good thing to do is get involved with the Clan Linsday Society.
Unfortunately in the Northeast USA they aren't very active. If you have an interest in their history sponsor a clan tent at your local games.
Traditionally, Clan Lindsay and us Donnachaidhs were were at odds but we've had quite a good time with them over the years. Many of them actually attended our annual clan dinners!

**creagdhubh** · 22nd May 13, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I don't wish to rain on your parade, but in truth, not necessarily. Your ancestors may well have come from another part of Scotland completely, but ------but given the lack of concrete evidence, go with the information that you have and wear the Lindsay tartan, if that is what you wish. Many are happily wearing tartans based on less evidence than you have.

I agree completely, Jock. I'd go with wearing the Lindsay tartan, which is a very handsome sett by the way!

**Bluescelt** · 22nd May 13, 10:02 AM

That's right Jock. My Duncan's were from Fife and although Perthshire is not far away I'm not sure that they took the name from Donnchadh the Stout. The first Earls of Fife were named Donnchahd too. All depends how far back the family goes in an area. In saying this I guess the idea of clan is like-minded people that band together. Historically not all clanfolk were related and allegiance sometimes changed. So if you find a clan that you feel a connection with go with it. We see this at clan tents alot. Some names are commonly listed as septs for multiple clans. Folks will ask which clan they should be with. I'll ask where was your family from and if they don't know I just tell them find the clan having the most fun.

**Offline** · 22nd May 13, 10:03 AM

You all have been a great help. I have but a few people in my ancestry to verify but both of them trace back to the area, hence the almost 100% sure.

I was just uncertain of how it all worked in general. So any family under a Clan name would wear that Clans Tartan is what I am gathering.

As for the games, I am seriously thinking of starting to learn all about it and participate one of these days. I want to start off by representing correctly and with a sense of pride I can pass on to my kids.

Living in the midwest, I know of a few games, Iowa Irish Fest and Kansas City, and have talked to the boss (wife) about going and checking them out. She thinks I would do good in them!

I only wish my parents would have learned of our ancestors. I would have been more involved at an early age. Time for my little ones to learn!