Quick Question

[Detroitpete]

You are who you are and celebrate that. I have a typically Swedish last name (despite generations in Scotland and much further back in the women they married on that side of the family) and my mother was born in Sicily.

I happen to think a Scottish-Sicilian (Ok, for you--'Italian' ) is an EXCELLENT mix!

[CopperNGold]

It's wonderful that you were immersed in you Scottish heritage as you were growing up, and that you want to continue the traditions. Don't fret about what kilt you choose, and try to enjoy that part of you heritage as much as you can! Joining your clan society is a good idea.

You haven't been taught about the Italian side or your family, but you might want to look into it further. There could be a Scottish connection on that side of the family from the times of the Romans coming into Scotland. Who knows what you may find! You could be Celt on both sides of the family. A DNA test could help you with this.

In either case enjoy the kilt and celebrate your rich Scottish/Italian heritage!

[ANP3]

True, it would be interseting to look into.

Nick.

[piperdbh]

What some of us do is to get the first kilt in the tartan "nearest" to us, which can be the tartan we share a name with. Then, some of us branch out to the "next-nearest" tartan, and so forth.
Since you're in the US, have you considered a state tartan? What about one of the Welsh tartans? One need not be limited to only-clan-tartans, when there are hundreds (maybe thousands) to choose from.

[Spartan Tartan]

I would embrace all aspects of my heritage. My surname is German. Although, like you, most if my "cultural" upbringing was not from my German side. That does not mean I do not celebrate it, but it cerainly does NOT limit who I am and ALL the heritage that is in my family. Wear whichever tartan you feel is meaningful to you and do not feel as though you need to justify it to others.

Best of luck and enjoy!! oh...and

[Lyle1]

You do not have to apologize for your emotional feelings toward your family heritage, nor do you have to justify it. Accept and enjoy the way that you feel about your Celtic heritage, but be open about the rest of your heritage. I have always been more aware of my Scottish heritage than any other. However, it was exciting when I found out about a year ago that I have Italian ancestry in a German line in the late 1600's. Since then I have discovered that my Scottish lines (with several as yet not traced) by the year 1200, include ancestors who were born in what are now the countries of: Italy, Germany, France, Luxembourg, England, Wales, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The Scottish connections and customs will always mean the most to me, with a special place within me reserved for the Irish (it simply can't be helped!). I think I was fortunate as a child to be exposed to a wide variety of ethnic cultures and encouraged to enjoy them all, particularly the food. This summer at an International festival, I helped set up the Italian booth , then changed into my kilt, then made several visits to the Polish booth for the homemade pierogi, and it did not seem unusual at all.

[ANP3]

Well my Grandma was an Edwards, which is probably my favourite tartan (here it is http://www.welsh-tartan.com/userfile...al/Edwards.jpg) and New York, my home state, has no official tartan. Also I have an "Irish Clan," tartan as well.

Nick

[Chas]

What do you all think?
Thanks,
Nick.

What do I think - I think you are worrying too much!

We have 100% Chinese members, who struggle to put together one sentence in English, but they wear a kilt with great pride as often as they can.

You have the heritage, stop over-thinking it.

Regards

Chas

[EagleJCS]

My paternal line (Scott) goes back over 200 years in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and I have as yet been unable to trace them beyond Russell/Washington/Augusta Co. VA. I'm basically an American mutt, with more German in my heritage than anything else.

That said, my most recent immigrant ancestor came over from Ireland in 1903. All of them seem to have left most of their heritage behind (or dropped a lot during the WW's). Just some old family recipes seem to be all that's left. Growing up, we didn't celebrate any particular ethnic holidays (St. Pat's, St. Andrew's, etc.). When I asked about our family's heritage, the answer was "We're American!".

As others have said, wear the kilt and enjoy the befuddled looks when you tell people your surname. Many of the Clan Societies are made up of people that do not share the surname (and may have a tenuous connection at best).