Clan Tartan Appropriateness

[Jock Scot]

If I am a good enough step father that one of my sons wants to wear my clan tartan, I would be honored.

Indeed so. On the other hand a wise step father has to accept and respect the decisions of others who probably had a difficult choice to make. Such is life, sometimes.

[AKScott]

Indeed so. On the other hand a wise step father has to accept and respect the decisions of others who probably had a difficult choice to make. Such is life, sometimes.

Indeed, but the only clan tartan my sons have any claim to is mine.

If they were to decide to become kilted and select a universal sett I think I would still be complimented.

[Macman]

Would you take any slight offense at it?

My short answer is no. If I met you and you were wearing my clan tartan, I'd probably assume you were wearing it for the same reason as I do. I would't ask you why you were wearing it, and I wouldn't be miffed if you were wearing it for another reason.

[sp00ky]

The only time I have struck up a conversation with someone for the simple reason they were wearing a MacKenzie kilt was because they were manning the Clan Tent at the games...

Passed multiple people in MacKenzie around the games and simply smiled.

The only time I have discussed connection to the clan was when lining up with other MacKenzie's for the march of the clans and making introductions. I just introduced myself as Scott (McKenzie implied) and the other gentleman said my name is Dave Jones (wasn't actually Dave Jones but cannot remember his name) he then took it upon himself to explain the connection to MacKenzie (a few generations back through his mother). He actually then asked me if it was OK if he joined in the march, my reply was the more the merrier, but stated non-MacKenzies were required to buy the MacKenzie's a drink after... The grin and the wink gave my joke away.

Many people (non-kilted) have asked me about my tartan, but no one has ever asked for ID so to speak.

My $0.02

As long as it is respectful (even so much as I really like the pattern) then its all right with me.

[O'Callaghan]

Well, I Have no Scots blood that I am aware of, but my mother's maiden name ties me to one of the few clans recognised by the Irish government. There is a chief, who lives in Spain, but no clan society, although there was one based in Ireland at one time. There is a tartan, but it is a special order weave, so if anyone had it woven who wasn't of Callaghan descent I'd say they would have to be crazy to spend the money!

ETA: I've never yet seen it worn atall!

Like many who live in the US, even though not an American myself, I have several different tartans, but I wouldn't wear anything I had no claim to.

One time, while wearing the Cork tartan (House of Edgar version) I was spied by another guy similarly clad, who shouted 'Cork' at me! It transpired that he had no idea what part of Ireland his Irish ancestors had come from. Whilst I wouldn't have worn the Cork tartan if I didn't know that my family came from there, not everyone is that fastidious. However, at least he knew what tartan he was wearing.

ETA: I've only one other time seen that tartan worn, and I didn't ask the wearer if she had family from Cork - I would just assume that she did.

[robbiethepiper]

I heartily despise anyone wearing an identifying item to which they are not fully entitled. Clan tartan, club/school/regimental tie. military rank/unit insignia, medals etc. I would never be rude enough to ask, so assume entitlement. The wearing of unearned military medals is a criminal offense in the UK. other items are left to ones sense of decency.....Robbie

[Irish Jack O'Brian]

In my younger days, I was a member of several secret and/or exclusive clubs-societies-fraternities-clans, etc. All were distinguished by secret handshakes, special clothing, reserved insignia, and a bunch of other paraphernalia that allowed the special members of these superior groups to separate themselves from their lessors.

I don't belong to any of these clubs anymore, and do not subscribe to the exclusivity supposedly bestowed by such membership. If one feels obliged to judge others based on the color of their clothes or the buttons they wear, that's your business. I choose not to make such judgements.

[nehmah]

I know that this has been talked about in a round about way before, but I'm interested in a different perspective.

This stems from a bit of a debate that I had with the wife last night after seeing a young boy (about 6) wearing his father's USMC uniform shirt with ribbons and badges.

As an example, my step grandfather, who I was very close with, was a Campbell. I obviously am not. Now I know that I CAN wear Campbell to honor him and there's nothing anyone can do about it, but I'm more interested in thoughts from, say, any Campbells on their feelings about this. Assume you didn't know me from Adam and you met me wearing Campbell and I told you this. Would you take any slight offense at it?

Not looking for permissions here, but more the other way around from personal views. I have certain, though sometimes flexible, boundaries when it comes to military uniform wear. Not having a clan, I'm curious to know how clan members feel about these things? Where do you all draw lines when it comes to seeing someone in your family dress? Even though you may not say it directly to someone, do certain things personally rub your fur the wrong way when you see it, even though it may be "allowed"?

NOTE: This post is not at all related to tartans. I loathe the term "step-anything". My dad, now deceased, was my Dad. He was not, however, a sperm donor. That one was long gone after the marriage fell apart. Dad called us his kids. He fed, clothed, and raised us. In the long run, I had a better Dad, that I ever had Father and Mother. Sorry for the rant. Nehmah-who still misses him and always will.

[Really a McQueen]

Referring back to the original post (four plus pages ago):

I know that this has been talked about in a round about way before, but I'm interested in a different perspective.
...
As an example, my step grandfather, who I was very close with, was a Campbell. I obviously am not. ... Assume you didn't know me from Adam and you met me wearing Campbell and I told you this. Would you take any slight offense at it?

What do you mean, you are not a Campbell? You are a member of your grandfather's family by marriage are you not? I was always of the impression (having step & adopted, cousins, etc) that if you were related by blood, marriage or love (which would include adoption and remarriage), then you are a member of that extended family. So, if your grandfather could call himself a Campbell, then you too, as a member of his family, can say you are one (at least in part). And there you have my tuppence worth.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

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