Too Traditional?

[MacLowlife]

Hail, Hail, CMcG,

This is the first thread in our Traditional Forum to go this high (in number of replies) since your thread last summer on defining Traditional Highland Civilian Dress. And just to make sure nobody thinks I am piling on spam here, I will add two additional corollaries concerning "Too Traditional":

1) Anyone who holds an inherited title, especially one tied to ancestral lands, can probably wear what he wants without appearing costumey- unless his ancestral lands are in Orlando, FL and Anaheim, CA, in which case, he probably wants it to look like a costume...

2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

3 (Special bonus) Any smoking pipe that fits into your pocket either looks affected or , ahem medicinal if you are under 50.

[ForresterModern]

Hail, Hail, CMcG,

This is the first thread in our Traditional Forum to go this high (in number of replies) since your thread last summer on defining Traditional Highland Civilian Dress. And just to make sure nobody thinks I am piling on spam here, I will add two additional corollaries concerning "Too Traditional":

1) Anyone who holds an inherited title, especially one tied to ancestral lands, can probably wear what he wants without appearing costumey- unless his ancestral lands are in Orlando, FL and Anaheim, CA, in which case, he probably wants it to look like a costume...

2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

3 (Special bonus) Any smoking pipe that fits into your pocket either looks affected or , ahem medicinal if you are under 50.

MacLowlife

While I agree with pretty much all you say, recognizing much of it seems to be typed with tongue firmly ensconced in cheek, I will have to take some issue with your #2 corollary. As one who despite being physically active (or possibly because of it) suffers from intermittent bouts of gout in one foot, inflamed overgrown heel spurs on both feet, and one degenerating arthritic knee (s/p 2 separate surgeries but only a 4 inch scar), I intermittently suffer enough from one or more of them to desire to use a walking stick (I have several---a blackthorn and a few others) for comfort and securiity, especially when walking on uneven ground or for prolonged periods, both typical for any highland games around here. To some it may indeed be an affectation, to others an optional aide, and still others a necessity.

[Dale Seago]

2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

I don't have a significant amount of grey hair showing, but I figure turning 62 next week is sufficient. I only have a 3.75 inch scar, but I'm willing to show it to the right persons who may ask The Question when I'm kilted; and I have a pic of the x-ray of my artificial hip stored on my iPhone if the scar isn't enough.

On the other hand. . .With that new hip I can hike, climb, leap, run, or kick someone in the face; and my martial art includes a gazillion applications of stick/staff tools.

So I just take my blackthorn wherever I like and let people just assume the fit-looking old guy might have an occasional need for it. Besides, who knows, someday I might.

[CMcG]

Hail, Hail, CMcG,

This is the first thread in our Traditional Forum to go this high (in number of replies) since your thread last summer on defining Traditional Highland Civilian Dress...

I really enjoy a discussion like this for many reasons. First of all it satisfies my curiosity about THCD in a way that no amount of Googling or time in the library ever could and secondly, I'm in such good company Being an academic-in-training helps with the desire to learn, the way to form good questions, and a pinch of Socratic method

[Bugbear]

I really enjoy a discussion like this for many reasons. First of all it satisfies my curiosity about THCD in a way that no amount of Googling or time in the library ever could and secondly, I'm in such good company Being an academic-in-training helps with the desire to learn, the way to form good questions, and a pinch of Socratic method

You're much better at extracting information from traditionalists than I ever was, CMcG. While your academic experience probably helps, I suspect you are also much more familiar with the Highland attire traditions than some of us, and know what questions to ask…
Although, MacLowlife seems to know more than he lets on, too…

[davidlpope]

MacLL,

In response to your most recent post (I, likewise, have yet how to make the quote function work...), I thought of exactly that- ("What those men need is a neat bourbon or a PBR in a bottle to carry around!"), but I hesitated to suggest it since all the Highland Games around here are "officially" dry.

This is what happens when Presbyterian and Episcopalian emigrants live among Baptists for too many generations.

Are you going to be at Loch Norman or Greenville? We really have to meet up. I've got the great idea for a custom kilt jacket in seersucker...

[JSFMACLJR]

Another "action shot" with cromach in use.

[creagdhubh]

MacLL,

In response to your most recent post (I, likewise, have yet how to make the quote function work...), I thought of exactly that- ("What those men need is a neat bourbon or a PBR in a bottle to carry around!"), but I hesitated to suggest it since all the Highland Games around here are "officially" dry.

This is what happens when Presbyterian and Episcopalian emigrants live among Baptists for too many generations.

I never really understood this, but then again I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where there are no "dry" Scottish events (or any other type of event for that matter). I understand there are "dry" counties in various U.S. States, mainly in the southern part of the country, correct?

My first encounter with an "officially" dry Highland Games was in Batesville, Arkansas when I tagged along with my mate and piper, Matt Pantaleoni when he was the Pipe Major of the St. Louis Caledonian Pipe Band. We made do by enjoying a wee dram or two back at the hotel. My second encounter with an "officially" dry Scottish event was at the Kentucky Scottish Weekend; however, myself, my wife, and Sandy made do by having a few proper pints over quite a pleasant chat near our car in the parking lot!

Cheers,

[SlackerDrummer]

My second encounter with an "officially" dry Scottish event was at the Kentucky Scottish Weekend; however, myself, my wife, and Sandy made do by having a few proper pints over quite a pleasant chat near our car in the parking lot!

Since last year's Kentucky Scottish Weekend, General Butler State Resort Park (where the event takes place) became one of 5 Kentucky state parks to obtain a liquor license. I have not heard whether or not that will have any effect on the availability of alcohol at the Games, though. If it isn't in the works, it should be.

[Panache]

Hail, Hail, CMcG,

This is the first thread in our Traditional Forum to go this high (in number of replies) since your thread last summer on defining Traditional Highland Civilian Dress. And just to make sure nobody thinks I am piling on spam here, I will add two additional corollaries concerning "Too Traditional"...


2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

A good walking stick is a sign of a gentleman and of a fellow that knows how useful they are!

Cheers

Jamie