Kilt Etiquette

[cessna152towser]

And, IMHO, therein lies the rub. People of the clan who's tartan is being worn will likely recognize it and be curious about the (assumed) kinsman who they have not yet met wearing it. An innocent and friendly inquiry could very likely ensue. It would be good to have an answer for such a question which shows respect for the tartan and to those who hold it in high regard.

Good point. I once spotted an American wearing a Cunningham tartan kilt and as I was also wearing my Cunningham kilt at the time I introduced myself as a Cunningham and he insisted the tartan was Robertson. Nothing could convince him and as far as he was concerned I was just an ignorant Scot who did not know my tartans. I could have gone on and told him that I am a Clan Cunningham Armiger here in Scotland but it seemed pointless to do so. He who knows not and refuses to learn from others is best ignored.

[Singlemalt]

If I saw you in my family tartan I would almost certainly walk over and introduce myself to learn how we may be connected. If then told you were wearing it because you liked the colours:
a) Would I say anything rude or act offended? NO
b) Would I keep my mouth shut but be mildly miffed? Probably.

If you are the type of person who does not give a hoot what others think you can certainly do what you like and are unlikely to be ever challenged. However, since you asked the question I think you are more sensitive to others than that. There are lots of universal and regional tartans to choose from. In your situation I would go with them. Though I do have kilts in my family tartan my "go to everyday" kilt is Black Watch which I also wear with pleasure and pride.

[Father Bill]

..."miffed," or at least contemptuous.

[tundramanq]

Quick nose count on the "not my tartan" thing from this string alone (it's recent ).
In Scotland, USA and England - few, of any, will be upset, especially if you know the tartan and show respect for it.
The Canadians seem the only group that will most likely get bent out of shape.
Hmm - ideas as to why?

[Father Bill]

This is general and immeasurable, so it would be easy to attack these observations (please don't bother - you can't prove a negative any more than I can prove the positive) but in my experience, Canada has historically felt a VERY close connection to Great Britain in general, and (oddly perhaps until one examines the numbers of early settlers) to Scotland in particular. Perhaps because the connection is old, Canadians tend to be traditionalists. Further and maybe most importantly, Canadians do not generally subscribe to the "Do as you d___ well please" school of thought. We have a lot of folks here who like to do their research, know their "stuff" and do it "right." (Whatever that means to them.)

[Singlemalt]

..."miffed," or at least contemptuous.

Contemptuous is a strong word Bill, I think mildly "miffed" or irritated would best fit my reaction. The level of which would be determined by the kilt wearers response. If it was simple ignorance my reaction would be mild, if intentional disrespect my feelings would be stronger. However, I would probably in either case say nothing.

I really can't remember ever commenting negativity on a strangers clothing, of any type, although I have complimented what I like. I have no right to tell people what to wear. I think I have every right to have a personal opinion on how appropriate it is and I often do. If it was a friend or family member who I think values my opinion I might try and find a kind way to say something but with a stranger who did not know me I would just button my lip.

Not sure on this one why the Canadian's are showing up more strongly on the traditional side of the issue. I am personally certainly a traditionalist when it comes to kilts (and lots else in my life). My guess is that Canadian's are probably on average more traditional in kilt wear than Americans being closer to the tradition and it still being an important part of our military and national institutions. However, I suspect the small sample size on this thread makes the data somewhat unreliable. I know from reading here that there are very traditional Americans and unconventional Scots so the range of opinion is wide wherever you are from.

[tundramanq]

Knowing Canadians are very polite in general, if a hint of a comment is made, I take it to heart. Am less at ease around people who are too polite as I don't know when I might be offending them. They won't say and my "guesser" needs calibration - sometimes often .

[Jock Scot]

Generally the Scots rarely discuss their tartan in public and try to avoid, by almost any means available, the dreaded tartan justification conversation that tourists seem so desperate to have. However, most of us manage to keep our views to ourselves whilst either laughing silently, or seething inwardly-----or both---- depending on the view we are observing and the conversation being had. Sometimes we do silently nod our approval at what is on show by visiting kilt wearers. Rarely will anyone know what is being thought and rarely do we bother to discuss our observations amongst ourselves. We just do not delve into the finest of fine detail that we do at xmarks.

[neloon]

"rarely do we bother to discuss our observations amongst ourselves. We just do not delve into the finest of fine detail that we do at xmarks. "
Hit the nail on the head again, Jock.
Alan

[Singlemalt]

Knowing Canadians are very polite in general, if a hint of a comment is made, I take it to heart. Am less at ease around people who are too polite as I don't know when I might be offending them. They won't say and my "guesser" needs calibration - sometimes often .

No worries Tundra, no offense taken on my part, and I am not just being "Canadian" and saying it. I have lived in Canada my whole life but I work in the USA and I do notice a difference in the national character. I won't say one is better than the other. I appreciate American's plain speaking and bluntness on the other hand when I get home the gentle respect people treat each other with here is like coming home to family. When I was in university the theory (then current I think now less supported) on the difference in national character was that the American character was formed my the Pioneer who alone with his family pushed further and further west with civilization at his back and the wilderness in front. It encouraged a spirit of individualism and independence to survive. The Canadian character on the other hand was formed by the Garrison. Where small communities were completely surrounded by thousands of square miles of wilderness. This created more of a character of community and interdependence for survival which you can still see today in our politics and concern with being polite.

I realize we are an odd people and generally we don't mind being poked fun at, we certainly laugh at ourselves a lot. How do you explain a people who apologize to you when you step on their toe but put them in a hockey jersey and we turn to savages.