Clergy Kilt?

[biblemonkey]

There has been some great discussion here thus far, and quite interesting. If I may post a few observations and my thoughts.

Lad, first you seem to me to be quite faithful, and you'd like this kilt in the Clergy/Clarke tartan to be a representation of that connection and your personal beliefs. A fantastic reason for your tartan choice I think. I understand your hesitation in wearing a Clergy tartan, as your not ordained. davidg above suggested the very slightly differently shaded Clarke, and I think that would be a fantastic alternative. Though when I have seen these two tartans next to each other they have been perfectly identical. So though they might actually be different shades registered with the Tartans Authority, practically speaking, they're often sold as one in the same.

I understand your hesitation on the St. Ninian tartan as well, as its a "catholic" tartan. Though, and correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think the tartan is officially endorsed by the Vatican as priest clothing. It's more unofficial, so you could still wear it. The same goes for the other great suggestions above.
---- Actually Matt corrected this in the above post that was posted whilst I wrote this -----

I for one, as a Catholic, wouldn't care that a Protestant is wearing the St. Ninian, just as I'm sure most others wouldn't either. I'm sure the same goes for the few clergy who actually are aware of the clergy tartan. It's a symbol of your commitment to the Lord. Any clergy would be happy to see you wearing something that makes you feel more connected to the Lord. A few in my old parish wore the clergy tartan (admittedly, one was actually a Clarke), as did our parish priest, and he encouraged it. Wear whatever connects you to your Devine.

This is very much the same argument as wearing another clan's tartan. If I saw someone wearing the MacLeod tartan who didn't have roots in that family, I wouldn't care, nor would I demand they remove their kilt! I doubt any clergy would either. I think if you reiterate to any clergy that asks about your kilt your above statements about your connection to God, they'll be happy.

To the clergy here, is that fair to say?

All the soapbox aside, allow the scientist in me to come out. This is a major expense, you must be happy with it before you buy, and you really should buy what you want. As stated before, 99.95% of people won't know or care, and really the only person that matters is you in this equation. As there are no real "rules" about who can wear what, you should wear what you like.

If anyone gets really torqued off, ask them to remember that physically speaking, there is no such thing as colour anyway. That's a human perception

I love the wry humor in that post!

One kilted clergyman here did acknowledge that it may be a bit presumptuous to wear the "Clergy" tartan if not ordained and I had to agree with him. He's right. The idea of a personaly and "committee designed" Christian faith tartan was mentioned and it would seem that if enough people were dedicated to that as a reality I would think it could only be a wonderful expression, though a tad expensive, and i would have to say I would be fully on board.

[biblemonkey]

A though did just occur to me. If you want a more "general Christian" tartan that you feel doesn't exist, than why not design it, register it, and have it woven into your own kilt?

It's a bit more costly an option, but you can choose the symbolism of the colours that you feel reflect general Christian values. Perhaps work with your clergy to find the colours and meanings you wish to capture.... Could be fun

Indeed. I was thinking along the lines of the Apostolic Creed, which though it says the "Catholic" church that was more an expression of oneness than denominational lines. This creed seems to be agreed upon by every Christian I have ever spoken to or read.

A tartan based on it's expressions would be very universal I think.

[rlloyd]

Well, 'catholic' simply means 'universal'...though I'd venture to say the vast majority of people, when simply saying Catholic, are referring to the Roman Catholic Church.

[Newfoundlander]

Well, 'catholic' simply means 'universal'...though I'd venture to say the vast majority of people, when simply saying Catholic, are referring to the Roman Catholic Church.

I think so, yes. I certainly do...

[herminator]

What I wear is the "warrior" tartan by Marton Mills:



I call it my "Warrior for Christ" Tartan
with
Purple for the passion
Black for death on the cross
and
White for the resurrection.


Wearing purple as a man is always a great conversation starter!
;-)

Shalom
Hermann

[biblemonkey]

What I wear is the "warrior" tartan by Marton Mills:



I call it my "Warrior for Christ" Tartan
with
Purple for the passion
Black for death on the cross
and
White for the resurrection.


Wearing purple as a man is always a great conversation starter!
;-)

Shalom
Hermann

Very cool! If the idea of an "Apostolic Tartan" turns out to be mere speculatory creativeness this would be a nice option.

Well, 'catholic' simply means 'universal'...though I'd venture to say the vast majority of people, when simply saying Catholic, are referring to the Roman Catholic Church.

True but the modernized versions used by most Protestant churches tend to reword the term "Catholic" as "Holy" but the rest of the text remains unchanged so the creed would still be a good starting place, no?

[Newfoundlander]

I love the wry humor in that post!

One kilted clergyman here did acknowledge that it may be a bit presumptuous to wear the "Clergy" tartan if not ordained and I had to agree with him. He's right. The idea of a personaly and "committee designed" Christian faith tartan was mentioned and it would seem that if enough people were dedicated to that as a reality I would think it could only be a wonderful expression, though a tad expensive, and i would have to say I would be fully on board.

Ha I'm glad it gave you a laugh lad! Can't take life too seriously lad, you'll never get out alive...

Father White did mention it yes, in his post. Though I'd venture that your chances are slim of running into someone "in the know" like the dear Father is. I get the slight impression that regardless of what the public may think of your wearing the clergy tartan, there is a subtle misgiving in yourself over wearing it. Is that fair to say? If that's the case I'd search a bit more though the other options and order some swatches to see them in person.

Your ideas on designing one based on creed are excellent! I'm sure many would jump on that tartan. Perhaps PM Matt N. to pick his brain over the process and cost? I know that I had the Newfoundland tartan special woven and it increased the cost of my kilt, but undoubtedly Matt would have much more insight into this than I.

Be sure to let us all know what you decide on though! All the best lad!

[lukeyrobertson]

I am an ordained protestant clergy guy. Having read through the posts, I am with Fr. Bill, Jock and Matt. I think the clergy tartan is best worn by those ordained by the church. Having said that, I really like the idea of researching other tartans with Christian roots. The St. Columba tartan for example is quite stunning (see the STA). It was created, I believe, as a fundraiser for the Iona Community and Abbey which of course was founded by St. Columba--nice and "celtic" that one. Others have mentioned St. Andrew's, and there is also an episcopal tartan (I haven't read enough to know if that one is considered more for clergy or not). I suspect as this thread continues there will be other fine ideas. While I may purchase a clergy tartan kilt someday, I wonder in your case if a nice celtic cross or similar kilt pin might just do the trick in the meantime. Don McKee has a beautiful silver celtic cross kilt pin. Just google it. All the best, BibleMonkey.

[biblemonkey]

Your ideas on designing one based on creed are excellent! I'm sure many would jump on that tartan. Perhaps PM Matt N. to pick his brain over the process and cost? I know that I had the Newfoundland tartan special woven and it increased the cost of my kilt, but undoubtedly Matt would have much more insight into this than I.

Be sure to let us all know what you decide on though! All the best lad!

Thanks and will do. Where's your signature quote from? And was the line about "getting out alive" one of yours?

[rlloyd]

Time to throw out a bunch of if's.

If we so happen to go through with this plan of designing a tartan
If we recruit the help of Matt
If there is any need for some sort of in-person visit for whatever reason

I'd offer to do it as I'm only about 1.5 hours away. That is, unless someone is closer or just really wanted to do it. Again, I have no idea as to this whole process...maybe, as I believe was suggested, we should ask around with some of the Lovecraft fellows.