...kilted to medieval festival

**Riverkilt** · 28th May 12, 09:01 AM

I think you look sharp too. If I saw you at the festival I wouldn't guess you were in costume, I'd think you were dressed sharp and comfortably...just like someone in shorts, flip flops, and a tank top - only much better looking. Just nothing medieval looking about that turnout.

I often wear kilts to Native American Pow Wows and, so far, have only received compliments. I oppose "clothing codependency."

I believe a man should be able to dress as HE chooses and not worry about what others may think of his dress. FREEDOM!!

**zjrog** · 28th May 12, 11:05 AM

Hear hear! As I sit visiting in the hospital. Passed a bunch of pipers in downtown Salt Lake City, but couldn't stop and stand proud... Hoping they will still be playing on my way out again.

**Deirachel** · 28th May 12, 12:46 PM

I have to support what Matt is saying here.

Keep in mind a "Medieval Faire" in Europe is, as Zardoz said, more in line with a historical reenactment (like as Matt said Civil War or Revolutionary War gatherings here in the US.)

Most of us Americans think "Renn Faire" with their fantasy and "frivolly" when we see these festivals , but they really aren't. They are more like SCA events where participant vs. spectator can be quite cut and dry. For those with SCA experience, think a Feast run by the Period Nazis... you know the guys who get mad at the zipper on your boot ankle or the guy that's upset your doublet has ribbon sleeves and that's a style from around 1615 and the period ends at 1599

. In some of these events, the spectators are to watch, and that's it. Of course, there are educational areas where the participant will be happy to answer questions.

Now, granted, OP's clothing wasn't wrong by any means, as long as he keeps in mind some people will need to be educated, politely, that no, this is not grab/period.

It's a fine line to walk. Keeping respectful to the spirit of the event, and wearing what you want to be comfortable and have fun.

And, while Woodsheal is correct, we all know there are plenty of idiots running around who don't know anything about a kilt, much less what is proper for the period.

**kiltmonk** · 28th May 12, 01:42 PM

Hello Kiltologist,

thanks for the compliments.

Yes, this event is more fun and entertainment fpr the people, especially for the kids. The could do "basket braiding", "filting", "pottery", learn how to built "half-timbered houses with clay" and all that for a small amount of money. This festival is held every two years in the historic center of Oberwesel, which gives a nice scenery.

Greez

Marcus

**Frank McGrath** · 28th May 12, 05:40 PM

I wore a kilt to a renfest. When questioned by a castmember, I told them I was from the future. Here to introduce a new style of kilt. Oh, Yeah. He was amused.

**opositive** · 28th May 12, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by Frank McGrath

I wore a kilt to a renfest. When questioned by a castmember, I told them I was from the future. Here to introduce a new style of kilt. Oh, Yeah. He was amused.

since imitation=flattery, i hope you do not mind if i steal your lines later this year for our local renfest.

i had been toying with the idea for a long time to get a kilt, but going last year gave me the "nudge" i needed to lead to my doom.

**drum bum** · 28th May 12, 07:53 PM

I also attended a small ren faire recently whilst kited in modern fashion. The Queen sent the Sheriff after me and i was summoned to court where she interviewed me as to the style of the kilt and thanked me for wearing it. It was an interesting experience. Most in attendance were not historically accurate in any era.

**Dale Seago** · 28th May 12, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by drum bum

I also attended a small ren faire recently whilst kited in modern fashion. The Queen sent the Sheriff after me and i was summoned to court where she interviewed me as to the style of the kilt and thanked me for wearing it. It was an interesting experience. Most in attendance were not historically accurate in any era.

I can certainly see combining an explanation with Frank McGrath's approach:

"An it please Your Majesty, I ken well that The Queen is accustomed to seeing those from the Northern part of the island attired in the belted plaid. However, I have traveled to view for myself the marvels of this realm from a time in the future, where that garment hath been modified, to wit: . . ."

Note how I'm also carefully couching my words to avoid anything that might evoke, shall we say, "North/South politics" while also implying that I've heard things were so wonderful in "the guid auld days" in her realm under her rule that I just had to come back in time to see for myself.

Diplomacy and flattery are often indistinguishable. . .

**Zardoz** · 28th May 12, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by drum bum

I also attended a small ren faire recently whilst kited in modern fashion. The Queen sent the Sheriff after me and i was summoned to court where she interviewed me as to the style of the kilt and thanked me for wearing it. It was an interesting experience. Most in attendance were not historically accurate in any era.

That happens alot! At the Texas Ren Fest Elizabeth Boleyn (currently the Queen's mother) makes a career out of asking kilted gentlemen to "do a turn" for her.

**MacGumerait** · 28th May 12, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by flyrod6057

I agree with Lyle here. The entertainment value is the draw for many folks. Some don't dress up at all. Some go 'all-in' and spring the cash for a 100% accurate getup. Many want to participate but only have one or two things, so they show up in all manner of combinations. While not exactly the same as a medieval festival, think about the last highland games you attended: was everyone properly attired in highland dress? I know that the largest games around here (Enumclaw) draw all manner of attendees in all manner of dress. I once saw a guy rocking an awesome horsehair sporran with his shorts, t-shirt, and sandals. That was his only 'highland accessory' and he was wearing it quite wrong, but proudly!

In addition to the shorts and t-shirt crowd, and the hundreds of folks who have no idea how to properly wear a kilt, you'll also see:

Belly dancers
Pirates
Wizards
Warriors
Roman legionnaires in full armor

I believe that ren-fairs and medieval fests have a not-too-different vibe: I'm sure they draw all manner of attendees. While showing up kilted in a puffy shirt might not be historically accurate, it IS fun! Maybe not as fun as seeing Matt in Maori tattoos, but still fun.

+ 1 flyrod6057 .

On a side note , we all respect and value Matt's knowledge and opinions , but I must ask one question . Do you think we could convince Matt to show us a kilted pic with Maori warrior face paint ? That would be one for the XMarks history books !