tartan advice

[Micah]

Not sure if this should go here or in geneology...
I'm of Stewart descent, however tracing my lineage back,
I've found some Buchanan ancestors. I'm aware that
techinically my "correct" tartan would be Stewart. But I
must admit a love for the bright coloring of the Buchanan.
Would it be appropriate for me to wear or should I stick
with tradition on this? My main concern is insulting one or
the other. However being that my last name is Hummel ,
Im already flying in the face of convention as it is.
What say you?

[ctbuchanan]

I may be a bit biased but I say wear the Buchanan if you want to. I don't know of any Buchanan who will object. After all our tartan is the most beautiful by far!

No one is going to object if you wear any tartan that has a link to your ancestry. Wear it proudly.

[Micah]

Coming from a Buchanan your opinion certainly bears
weight. Thank you

[sailortats]

Now coming from a Stewart clan member. Check out all of our many tartans. I would think you would find one that you like . The "Old Sett" or the "Navy" are not the most common but both are very nice looking.

[OC Richard]

The whole idea of "clan tartans" is relatively recent anyhow. Going back, tartans were designed purely to be attractive (each weaving being unique, and the designs having no significance) and our ancestors chose whichever patterns were available and appealed to them.

So, I would wear whichever patterns appeal to you.

About Stewart, you have many attractive tartans to choose from!

Though I have a kilt in Royal Stewart (the extra-heavy MOD stuff) my favourites are Old Stewart and Hunting Stewart (especially in 'reproduction' or 'weathered' colours).

Here's Old Stewart



And here's a fellow who likes to wear it



About Buchanan, as far as I can see the jury is still out as to which pattern is the original, the asymmetrical one or the symmetrical one. I myself very much prefer the symmetrical one, as it follows the 'rules' of tartan design (which it's true were often violated in the old days).

Were I a Buchanan I would wear this one. I like both the more traditional-looking pattern and the softer colours

[ctbuchanan]

One of the things that makes our Ancient Buchanan and Modern Buchanan tartans distinctive is that they are asymmetical.... well, that and the many colors. As I tell visitors to our Clan tent at the games, you can't be shy and be a Buchanan. And the fact that our tartan is a bit odd and "not quite right" in the traditional sense goes along with the personality of many of my kinsmen. We have fun with it and enjoy it's unique appeal. So between the many Stewart tartans and the many Buchanan options, you should be able to find just the right tartan to fit your own personality.

[Pleater]

If the tartan calls to you what harm is there in wearing it?

As long as you aren't up to any mischief of course.

It is a beautiful tartan, and you have Buchanans in your ancestry - so even if you were challenged by the kilt police I think you'd be safe....

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Micah]

On the Stewart tartan I cant argue. I absolutely love my hunting stewart and
plan to get a black stewart when I can. As others here have
stated the things are addicting.
on the Buchanan, I couldn't agree more. I much prefer the
symmetrical tartan. Can't even say I'll get one, just want to know I
won't offend if I do.

[Micah]

Anne , I just noticed your signature. I like that and thank you.

[figheadair]

One of the things that makes our Ancient Buchanan and Modern Buchanan tartans distinctive is that they are asymmetical.... well, that and the many colors.

And here's a recent paper on the origins of the sett.