As an aside, I understand that the Saffron Kilt in Northern Ireland has a bit more of a "meaning" than it does in other parts of Ireland.

I believe that this might spring from some stuff I've learned recently....namely, that when the English forbade the wearingof the color "saffron" in *****. there was resistance to that edict, mostly centered in the northern parts of Ireland. Now "saffron" may or may not actually be "saffron" as in the color imparted by the pollen of the crocus plant (seems to me that it's probably NOT), and the actual color that it imparts to linen vs.wool is different. So much of the specifics of all this may be up for discussion. However, as decades and centuries pass, the color "saffron" has come to represent the idea of Irish independence, so that the wearing of a saffron kilt in Northern Ireland is a pretty strong political statement supporting Northern Irelands' independance from England...In other words, at least to some degree, in support of Sinn Fein and the IRA.

Have I got that right? Comments and elucidation are gladly welcomed!

Alan