Questions about Flashes and other "Accessories"

[Jock Scot]

True, but if someone doesn't ask and simply assume, that have no right to judge, at least in my opinion. I'm sure many others would disagree, and they are entitled to their opinions. Having said that, I do appreciate your feedback sir!

Cheers,

Cameron

They do indeed have no right to judge, the problem is that they surely do!

[OC Richard]

First off, flashes traditionally aren't tartan. Nearly all the ones you see in early images are plain red, or less often green, and occasionally striped. They were woven specifically to the correct width, not cut out of tartan fabric (or plain fabric).

Second, actual Highlanders have never hesitated to freely mix tartans.

Note how many appear in this 18th century portrait (the boy on the right has jacket, waistcoat, and kilt of three different ones)



which continues to this day in the army

[Jock Scot]

Historically OCR you are not wrong, but there is a caveat. Historically, in civilian attire, mixed tartan of the same Clan was indeed mixed and even to this day still is, on rare occasion, but it is generally not a usual thing to do nowadays. As far as the military are concerned the tartans are indeed mixed, usually with band attire, to represent the regiments that have been amalgamated from time to time. Why do this? Well it is to remind present day soldiers of the Regiment's roots and in the case of your picture, it marks the amalgamation of three Highland Regiments, The Gordon Highlanders, The Cameron Highlanders and The Seaforth Highlanders.

[rmccool]

Well, I don't think I'll give up my Manx tartan, but I would embrace the MacLean side... I'm not going to abandon my Paul Henry kilt, it cost to much to throw away...
This family is closer to me than my own in many ways, so being a part of them is extremely important, which I guess is why I was asking in the first place.

I'm not a Scot by birth or upbringing, my Scots ancestors having arrived in the New World a couple of hundred years ago, nor am I a fashion expert. With that said, I think you've answered your own question here. You have two things that are very important to you - your Manx heritage and your link to your lady's family - and you want to honor and acknowledge both. I do the same when I wear a kilt in the law enforcement memorial tartan and a clan kilt pin. In the US, at least, no one will mind. Honor both and be proud.

[rllewis]

Wow, Thanks for all the answers. And pardon the newbie.

[Sir Didymous]

I have asked similar questions about mixing symbols in the past. My current method is only done occasionally, but I wear a Ferguson clan crest badge on my hat but wear any of my five non-clan tartan kilts or my one Clergy kilt with it. On the occasion I run into someone who knows anything about tartans and such (a rarity here in the States) they usually ask what tartan I am wearing, or if they see the badge on the hat, ask if I am wearing the coordinating tartan. I then give an explanation based on which tartan it is. No one has seemed to be offended yet, and at one time in a discussion shortly after I joined this forum a similar solution to the "multiple affiliations" problem was recommended to me. I own three sets of tartan flashes that match specific kilts, and in the past I have worn them with non-matching tartans. However I have had it (ever so politely) pointed out to me that not only does it look off, but it also looks a bit like a costume. Since my introduction into the kilted world, I have come to see their point. So I would think that kilt pins may be a slightly more conservative solution than the flashes, and definitely a better looking solution.

[Stoff]

Family is family. If they are family to you, honor them in whatever way you want.

Stoff

[Father Bill]

Family is family. If they are family to you, honor them in whatever way you want.

Stoff

Ah yes, but forget not that there are those who would feel it a dishonour to be "cross-clanned." Honour is, after all, an interesting concept largely based on the perception of individuals, and they base it on their understanding of symbolism, not ours.

[TheOfficialBren]

Each man should decide for himself what is best but do please be mindful of tradition.

My father is descended from the Shaws near Inverness (Clan Chattan territory). My mother is descended from the Robertsons of Struan. By strict interpretation of tradition I *should* wear the Shaw tartan. I *choose* to wear the Robertson tartan. I feel no need to apologise for this.

My point just to reinforce my opening sentence, my friend. Wear your kilt in good health and a happy heart.

[Stoff]

One of the things that the previous chief of Clan MacLennan taught me when he was on US tour back in 1978-79; by choice or by blood, family is family. So, pay honor as you feel due and as you feel comfortable.

Stoff
(Christoph H. Hintze of Clan MacLennan)