Traditonal vs. Historical

[Domehead]

ADempsey10,
Very interesting. From an English Literature standpoint, I approach your distinctions lexicologically. If I understand your Bonnie Prince example, something may be historic relative to a larger Highland Fashion cannon, yet its tradition rests with the Highland Culture which perpetuates its use. Therefore, neither term (be it denotative or connotative) are diametrically opposed.

This teeters on the edge of a subordinate terminological relationship. Does one have to establish something's historicalness before it can become traditional? This begs the question: From whence does something become "historic"?

Disclaimer: In the following example I am in no way passing judgment on any Clan tartan:
I am closely acquainted with staunch Barclay's. The Barclay tartan 1st appeared in the Vestiarium Scoticum. However, through "wont and use" - a phenomenon most (if not all) tartanry scholars observe and respect - this tartan and its dress compatriot (1906) are now the Clan Barclay tartans. Given what we know of their dubious origins, are these tartans historic and traditional? Or, are they just traditional through "wont & use"?

This question could be laid upon many examples