What Kilt to Wear??

[macdoc451]

I have a question that's been bugging me. It has never been actually expressed, that I am aware of:

Which kilt tartans, does a person actually have a claim to wear?? Is it strictly a family history thing, or, an association-thing? Tradtionally, do you have the right to wear any tartan which you fancy?? I am aware that in America, we tend to wear what we fancy, for the most part......

For example, I can wear my father's tartan, and my Mother's tartan. Can I also go back multiple generations, and wear Grand parent's and Great Grandparent's tartans? What about a military association of one of my ancestors? As a Buchanan, do I have the right to wear the Queens Own Regimental Cameron, if a relative Died at Dunkirk, wearing the same tartan (as an example)?

[davedove]

If you search the forum, you'll find that this question has been asked many times.

Basically, there are no laws to say what tartans you can or cannot wear.

So, some folks will say wear whatever you like.

Some feel you ought to have the family name, or have been a member of the organization the tartan represents.

I think most of us are somewhere in between. We like to have some connection to the tartan, even if that means it's the tartan of your great great grandfather.

The main thing is that some do place great significance to tartan, so be prepared to talk about any tartan you wear. Know your tartan!

[Phil]

Try this thread - and there will be many others
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...llowed+tartans

[Cynthia]

I have to admit, I feel a little odd wearing something not of my last name unless it's a location tartan (like Texas Bluebonnet). But at the same time, I recently discovered there is the possible link of McNeill/MacNeil in my family from the mid-1800's or so. I'm still trying to make sure it is correct and where they're from.

I also discovered the surname Grant on both my mother's side and my father's side. I'm not sure where they came from, but I'm very interested in learning.

Even though most of them were from the 1700's and mid 1800's, my family forgot about them and there is some confusion about our roots. I don't want to forget about them and I feel that if I do indeed discover more information about them, I may want to wear those tartans to honor my ancestors and remember them.

My last name is Griffith (I kept my last name when I married), and I know of the Welsh tartan for the Griffith surnames. I intend to get that one at some point, as well.

[davedove]

I'll give you an example of my tartans. These are the kilts I have had made. It doesn't count the less expensive off the rack kilts I bought in my early days of kilt wearing.

My first was a kilt in the MacIan tartan. My Dad's mother was a McKean, which is a variant of MacIan.

I have another in the Welsh Edwards tartan. My mother's maiden name was Edwards.

My mother's mother's family is 100% from Germany in the mid-1800s, so I have a kilt in the German National tartan.

My surname is Dove. There was no tartan for my surname, so I had one designed and now have a kilt in that tartan.

I served in the US Army, have worked for the Army as a civilian, my Dad and two uncles were in the Army, and my brother is currently serving in the Army. I felt I had more than adequate justification to wear the US Army tartan.

Finally, I have a kilt in the X Marks the Scot tartan, for obvious reasons.

So, you see, I have a few different tartans, but I do have some connection to all of them.

[Ayin McFye]

I believe you can wear what you want. But like DaveDove said, if you wear a tartan, I believe you should know a little bit about it. Do some research on whatever family you are going to wear so that you may wear it proudly, and show respect for the family you're wearing. That's just a suggestion though, in the end, wear what you want.

This goes for your own family tartan as well, I think it'd be silly to wear your own family tartan and not know anything about your family history. Just my opinion though.

[BoldHighlander]

For something related, you might also want to check this thread out too:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/y...380/index.html

you will find different reasons for the different tartans either worn or wished for.

[Prester John]

I recently discovered there is the possible link of McNeill/MacNeil in my family from the mid-1800's or so. I'm still trying to make sure it is correct and where they're from.

McNeil of Barra is a great tartan!

[Baysideboy]

I recently discovered there is the possible link of McNeill/MacNeil in my family from the mid-1800's or so. I'm still trying to make sure it is correct and where they're from.

and

McNeil of Barra is a great tartan!

I'll second that..I'm waiting for My MacNeil of Barra Ancient tank to arrive from Scotland...I promise to post pics when it arrives. (I use a thumbnail of it as my avatar.)

[Macman]

I have to admit, I feel a little odd wearing something not of my last name unless it's a location tartan (like Texas Bluebonnet).

This is what I choose for myself as well. I have many other clan names in my family tree, but I choose to wear only my own clan tartan, as well as area tartans. I won't wear other clans' tartans.
That said, I totally understand and respect anyone's choice to wear what they want for whatever reasons they want (including that they like the colours).