Wearing A Kilt On Halloween

[Bluethunder90]

What is the kilted community's view of wearing a kilt on Halloween? I am considering making my first time wearing a kilt on Holloween but I do not want to degrade the historical and cultural significance of the kilt and present it as just a "costume". I suppose I could explain to people that what I was wearing is not just a costume but is a genuine, historical garment that represents a people and a society.
To put the question in a bit of context, I am a collegiate coach and would be wearing the kilt on campus among my athletes, many of whom would be wearing costumes of one sort or the other that day since dressing up is going to be a team activity that day. It is that which is fueling my concern of the kilt coming off is just a "costume".

I thought I'd get the opinion of the kilted community on people wearing the kilt on Halloween.

[Jock Scot]

To be perfectly honest Halloween is not the place for the tartan kilt to be worn. The tartan kilt is not a costume and therefore deserves far more respect than the event in question requires.

[OC Richard]

It's a complex issue, which perhaps could be phrased as

Highland Dress is mere clothing v Highland Dress is a costume

As with many such debates the truth is probably a grey area somewhere between the extremes.

In 19th century and well into the 20th Highland Dress is often referred to, in books on the subject and by the firms producing it, "costume".



Part of this use of the word "costume" could be semantic shift, a continuous process in language. It seems clear that "costume" meant something different to a Victorian Scot than it does to a modern American.

It's possible that today the term "costume" has different shades of meaning in Britain and in the USA. Certainly the term "fancy dress" means quite different things in the two countries.

All of these semantic issues aside, for the people in my community, that of competition Pipe Bands, Highland Dress is certainly not ordinary clothing but a specialised occupational form of dress, much like the orchestral musician's tuxedo or the mariachi musician's costume.

[thecompaqguy]

It's a complex issue, which perhaps could be phrased as

Highland Dress is mere clothing v Highland Dress is a costume

As with many such debates the truth is probably a grey area somewhere between the extremes.

In 19th century and well into the 20th Highland Dress is often referred to, in books on the subject and by the firms producing it, "costume".



Part of this use of the word "costume" could be semantic shift, a continuous process in language. It seems clear that "costume" meant something different to a Victorian Scot than it does to a modern American.

It's possible that today the term "costume" has different shades of meaning in Britain and in the USA. Certainly the term "fancy dress" means quite different things in the two countries.

All of these semantic issues aside, for the people in my community, that of competition Pipe Bands, Highland Dress is certainly not ordinary clothing but a specialised occupational form of dress, much like the orchestral musician's tuxedo or the mariachi musician's costume.

"Costume" would still be interpreted 'fancy dress' on this side of the Pond too. But the word has fallen into disuse... people used to talk of a 'swimming costume' years ago, whereas they may refer to swim shorts (for men) nowadays. But the kilt is not something for Halloween or Trick or Treating in

[Geoff Withnell]

One of my favorite stories is about when I took my grandchildren out trick or treating one Halloween. I wore my kilt without thinking about it, as that was and is my normal clothing. A lady was complimenting my children on their costumes, and then turned to me. "And you're dressed as Rob Ro....No, that's not costume, is it? You wear it much too well. That's your usual clothing, isn't it?"

One of the best compliments I've received kilted.

[ThistleDown]

To be perfectly honest Halloween is not the place for the tartan kilt to be worn. The tartan kilt is not a costume and therefore deserves far more respect than the event in question requires.

My opinion, too.

[Baeau]

To be perfectly honest Halloween is not the place for the tartan kilt to be worn. The tartan kilt is not a costume and therefore deserves far more respect than the event in question requires.

What does not help this "costume" subject, are the many Scottish wear vendors, & for hire shops. I have received numerous e-mails, from businesses. All the same theme, "Don't forget to order your Halloween costume". Usually accompanied by an individual in a great kilt, floppy tartan hat, lace up leather boots, some with reference to Wallace, et cetera.
add in: forgot to include the Ghillie / Jacobite shirt in the list

[Baeau]

A bit of pondering, made me think of a 'not long back' rather contentious thread. The discussions of what was proper highland wear. There, the subject of retail & 'for hire' businesses came up. Then on to how their offerings / marketing have an effect on peoples idea of the proper look. Or here, what makes a great Halloween costume.

My warped sense of humor, just had a thought. I could see it. Some poor sod, thinking his kilted costume is perfect. He walks through a garden gate, towards a front door. There, he finds the Spectre of a few hundred years deceased Highlander, who is not very happy with what he sees.........I won't continue for fear of breaching Rule11.

[ThistleDown]

No fear, Baeau. Your Specter (so sadly herein often referred to as a kilt cop), truly exists! ) Those of us still at home --and sometimes overseas -- very kindly and fondly refer to him as tradition and love him dearly. He is who we are, not who we wish to be now or in the future. Or in and of our wildest fantasies.

If forum members wear the kilt daily -- or almost daily -- I encourage them to do so on Halloween, too, but to wear a mask as was always the way in times of yore, to disguise yourself from some, if not all.

[Baeau]

No fear, Baeau. Your Specter (so sadly herein often referred to as a kilt cop), truly exists! ) Those of us still at home --and sometimes overseas -- very kindly and fondly refer to him as traditionand love him dearly. He is who we are, not who we wish to be now or in the future. Or in and of our wildest fantasies.

If forum members wear the kilt daily -- or almost daily -- I encourage them to do so on Halloween, too, but to wear a mask as was always the way in times of yore, to disguise yourself from some, if not all.

I don't know about others, to me, tradition automatically has respect tied to it. I don't see how they can be separated. Tradition is respect for the past, ideas, & thoughts. Continuing any tradition in the current world, is nothing more than respecting the past.

Cheers,
Steve