Wear of Clan Tartan by non-Clan Members

[turbodog]

Yup, this is it. Though I would go a bit further and say it's more than convention. It sort of comes down to etiquette and manners. Just as wearing a Masonic ring would be unmannerly if you're not a Mason. Humans use clothing as symbols of who they are, and that's exactly what a clan tartan has been for about two centuries now, more or less. Even using a meaningless symbol like a Harley-Davidson logo on a t-shirt identifies you to others as someone who owns a Harley. If you display a symbol that has meaning to a group, you are (intentionally or not) telling others you're a part of that group. If it turns out that you're not a part of that group, some people take it as a breach of convention or a breach of etiquette.

The origin of "clan tartans" was a bit dubious, and obviously contrived, but it nonetheless exists today and has a fairly long tradition. You may wear whatever tartan you choose, but some will frown on it. You may not know they're frowning, or you may not care even if you did know. Make your choice based on whether it bothers you that others will be bothered by it. If you find that you don't care what they think, then wear whatever you like. No one will arrest you for it.

In a nutshell sir. Well said.

[turbodog]

How far back can you go to claim a clan relationship. About 300 years ago Great-Great-etc. Grandfather married a Montgomery. Can I wear wear Great-Great-etc Grandmothers family tartan?

I've run into this same problem doing my own family research. Lots of Scottish families in my lineage though I don't have a Scottish surname. Fortunate is the soul who has a quick and easy choice by means of a Scottish surname, or have identified only one family/clan in their lineage! For myself, with multiple clans to choose from, I've broken down the selection process by three means: The closest clan affiliation, generation-wise, the furthest clan affiliation generation-wise, or the the most pervasive clan affiliation throughout the lineage. I would think that any one of these would do as a means of identifying myself with a given clan, though actual membership in a clan would depend on that clans criteria. If you're really into ferreting out family lineage, you'll drive yourself nuts trying to make all the family/clan connections. Ah well, if nothing else, it's an excuse for more kilts.

[fcgeil]

I lean more toward the "only wear a tartan if you are a member of that clan" school of thought. However, I realize that most people can't distinguish one tartan from another (except for some easy ones, like Loud MacLeod [MacLeod of Lewes]), so in reality, it probably doesn't matter. Just be warned that there are many people who will be offended/upset/irritated with you if you wear a tartan to which you are not "entitled."

Personally, I had a bear of a time discovering my tartan. Why? I was adopted by a German father and an English mother. After I turned 18, I had to track down my birth family on my own, and 26 years later, I managed to do so, discovering that my bio father was/is Lakota Sioux (American Indian), and my bio mother is/was a MacLeod.

[Meggers]

***

Many people associate redheads with Ireland, but the country with the largest percentage of redheads is actually Scotland, (somewhere around 11% of the population I believe), without a doubt most of those can count some Scandinavian blood in their ancestry, (think Erik the Red, Leif Erikkson, etc).

but to get back to the OP question, I'm inclined to lean more towards the "wear the tartan pattern/colours you like" side of things. If you are really concerned about it, and you find a pattern you like, find out as much about that clan as you can, e.g.: the clan motto for example, and if that motto mirrors how you feel, then wear that pattern with confidence and if questioned, state that your personal beliefs make you feel kinship with that clan and you honour them by wearing that pattern.

You also must remember that family/sept association with clans did change over time...so take that into account as well.

And speaking of that, brown hair is the most commonly found hair color among the Irish Redheads only make up about 1% of the Irish population in the first place. Brunettes with blue or green eyes are most commonly found. Next is blonde hair.

So BOOYAH! I am more Irish looking than a redhead!

[Destin_scot]

And I find blondes, brunettes, or redheads with blue or green eyes irresistible