Tradition and Change

[Nathan]

Why should you care about wearing the kilt in a traditional manner? Don't we have the freedom to dress as we like? Should we not express our individuality through our garments? Why should we let others tell us how to dress?

These are all good questions. Certainly, we do have the freedom to dress as we please and to do as we please but that doesn't get at the underlying question of what we should do or what we ought to care about.

Recently, a lot of high profile celebrities have had to apologize for wearing traditional Native North American eagle feather bonnets as a fashion statement or in a photo shoot. This is because many view certain garments as more than mere clothing. Does this thinking apply to the kilt?

The traditionally made kilt, along with its iconic accoutrements such as the sporran, various jackets and kilt hose, is an instantly recognizable symbol of the Highland Scot. Later, it came to be identified with all Scots and with many Regiments of Soldiers in the Commonwealth.

The ancient Highland Clansman was, like his enlisted counterpart, essentially a fighting man. The kilt was the garb of a warrior and wearing it provides a link back to a time when fighting for a chief was part of paying your rent.

In more recent times, the kilt is a symbol of continuity with those times. Tartan has evolved into a visual representation of community. Primarily, it is an expression of the bonds of kinship between fellows of a clan, but it is also representative of many other types of community.

Traditions evolve but when one generation passes the baton to the next, it is hoped that the new generation will protect the essence of what is worth preserving in the tradition. The gradual evolution of a tradition is inevitable but respect should be paid to the tradition bearers for whom this is not simply a garment to cover one's body but rather an expression of cultural identity and continuity. This continuity can be across the generations or across an ocean but the traditionally made tartan kilt can be a potent symbol of solidarity with one's fellows regardless of whether we be separated by distance or time.

A genetic connection to this culture is not essential to participate. When one enjoys the music or wears the clothing of the Highland Scot, one is standing in solidarity with that culture. One way to ensure that the solidarity is authentic is by following the lead of the Highland kilt wearers themselves and wearing traditionally made kilts in a traditional manner.

For information about what that can look like, check out this thread:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...52#post1264452

[Domehead]

Well said and I concur.

Ryan

[Jim Simmons]

Very eloquently put, and I also concur, recognizing that change does/has occurred over the years. And this can be a good thing, as long as the original heritage is respected..

[MacEanruig]

Well said, Nathan! I believe the traditional kilt wearer is responsible for keeping the highland culture alive and well.

[Livonian]

Agreed. What we do as wearers of the kilt is more important than we may realize. When we don the kilt as attire, and not some sort of uniform or "Fancy Dress" (as they say across the pond), we keep the Highland culture (or at least a small part of it) from slipping that much further into history.

[Terry1948]

Well said, Nathan! I believe the traditional kilt wearer is responsible for keeping the highland culture alive and well.

Actually, I would like to suggest a modification of that statement. I believe wearing the kilt in a traditional fashion is reflective of and can be viewed as supportive of aspects of Highland Culture, but I would not like to suggest that those of use who live outside of The Highlands are "responsible for keeping the highland culture alive and well". A culture is far more than a garment wrapped around the hips. The latter can be important to it, but I am sure there are many Highlanders who don't wear the kilt, and probably feel that they are still a part of Highland culture.

[Laird_M]

Nathan,
A very well thought out and thought provoking post.I heartily agree with your comments.

One question though regarding traditions. As you say traditions are born and evolve constantly, so in years to come, how do the Rabble think wearing 'utility' kilts will be viewed? Will they still be seen as keeping the 'ancient' tradition of kilt wearing and Scottish culture alive? Will wearing such kilts, be they denim, leather, or what have you, be seen as a 21st century tradition mirroring the older traditions?

As you can see, your post has provoked my own thoughts...

[MacEanruig]

Actually, I would like to suggest a modification of that statement. I believe wearing the kilt in a traditional fashion is reflective of and can be viewed as supportive of aspects of Highland Culture, but I would not like to suggest that those of use who live outside of The Highlands are "responsible for keeping the highland culture alive and well". A culture is far more than a garment wrapped around the hips. The latter can be important to it, but I am sure there are many Highlanders who don't wear the kilt, and probably feel that they are still a part of Highland culture.

I agree with you that culture is vastly more important than a single garment or style of dress; however, I still believe the traditional kilt wearer is doing more than the average un-kilted person to bring that culture properly to the eyes of the world.

I am in no way disrespecting non-kilt wearing Scots, or anybody else for that matter. I am not obtuse to the various historians and sundry other professions and groups that strive to record and study culture.

[marypenny]

Thank you. Very well said. As a wife I really like appearing on my husband's arm when he is kilted. It speaks to our heritage and our beliefs. Comments have always been positive..but then he's a handsome man in a handsome kilt!

[Geoff Withnell]

Thank you. Very well said. As a wife I really like appearing on my husband's arm when he is kilted. It speaks to our heritage and our beliefs. Comments have always been positive..but then he's a handsome man in a handsome kilt!

And he is is a lucky man!