I finally did it

[Archangel]

re: work and church

Church will surprise you, it did me. It has come up on other threads. Maybe they feel, because they are "brothers and sisters" they can be as loose as family. Be ready for that.

quoting myself, not too bad, eh. should point out that in my case this happened at a church social, still a surprise. Not sure if I would wear my kilt to the service itself. It would be a distraction to a number of people and saying "tough", in that context, goes against my beliefs. I'll think about that: comments?
The other thing is to weddings. I won't do that anymore. One time I think more photos were taken of me and the bride than the groom and the bride. I was the only kilt and formal. (They're divorced now.) The other time I declined and I'm glad I did. My good friend was going to wear his family's kilt for the first time and his parents didn't know. When he started down the aisle and his dad saw him, his dad started crying. I think if I had been wearing a kilt, it would have taken away the impact and that moment.

[Shamalama]

The other thing is to weddings. I won't do that anymore.

Yeah, that's going to be an interesting one for me. My youngest daughter is 20, and she's already said that she wants me in a kilt to walk her down the aisle. She is still deciding whether she wants a modern wedding or a Renaissance type.

Oh, and I DID wear a sporran while in public. I didn't even realize that I had taken it off for the picture.

I certainly hope no one asks about "my pipes". The few ugly squacks I make from my practice chanter scares away small animals.

I'm still unsure about my footwear. Sure, I'm very comfortable with the sneakers and low socks look, but how to be a bit more "authentic" is still a question to me. I've heard about the moccasin without fringes, but am still undecided. Everything is strictly casual at this time. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Finally, a GREAT MANY THANKS for all the positive reinforcement for all of you here. It helps a bunch to know that there are others around the world that have voluntarily chosen to wear a kilt, be it full time or just occasionally. That in itself encourages me to step out and wear it more often - much more than just the yearly Highland Festival or Renaissance Fair - and make it part of my usual attire.

And THANK YOU to the webmaster for creating a place where those of us that wear a kilt may come together and converse, advise, and congratulate each other.

[KMacT]

Not sure if I would wear my kilt to the [church] service itself. It would be a distraction to a number of people and saying "tough", in that context, goes against my beliefs. I'll think about that: comments?

I have very poor friends whose presence in church would certainly distract other attendees. Should I discourage them from going to church? It's a shame. People, especially "church people" need to be more accepting and welcoming. They need to get over it - the world is naturally diverse and we are not born with a suit and tie. Just my comments.

Kevin

[chasem]

I have very poor friends whose presence in church would certainly distract other attendees. Should I discourage them from going to church? It's a shame. People, especially "church people" need to be more accepting and welcoming. They need to get over it - the world is naturally diverse and we are not born with a suit and tie. Just my comments.

Kevin

At the same time, the Bible says you are not to cause your brother to fault. I know it's minor, but if it would be a large distraction (in some southern baptist churches I know, it would be ridiculous for a kilt to be seen, for example), then perhaps it's best left at home.

I'm primarily playing devil's advocate, as I don't see a kilt being that big of a deal in most churches - I mean, enough to cause your brother to fault.

[bubba]

The few times I've been dragged into a church wearing a kilt it was a nonevent. A few smiles, a couple comments about looking nice, but generally no notice taken. Seeing me in a church is more unusual than seeing a kilt anyway.

[Doc Hudson]

The few times I've been dragged into a church wearing a kilt it was a nonevent. A few smiles, a couple comments about looking nice, but generally no notice taken. Seeing me in a church is more unusual than seeing a kilt anyway.

The way you talk about yourself, folks were probably too busy watching the roof beams to pay much attention to your kilt.

[macwilkin]

When Page & I were married, we had a traditional Scottish wedding, with a number gents in kilts (msyelf, my best man and the piper, along with several guests), and no one was "upset" about it or found it to be "improper". If anything, it added to the ceremony and the merging of two families into one.

I have worn my kilt to my church on many occasions, and everyone always loves it, both clergy and laity -- but then again, it is an Episcopalian church, so perhaps that is because most Episcopalians are Scoto/Anglo-philes who love all things from the UK & tradition? :mrgreen:

Cheers,

Todd

[Shamalama]

My church is only 9 years old, and we have around 200 for the morning service ... and I am the part-time Minister of Music, and have been so since the first service!

It's something in my family's blood, I guess. My grandpa was a music leader for many years, and my uncle has been a music leader at several start-up churches.

That said, I have to agree with chasem's statement of "not to cause your brother to fault". Sure, I could show up one Sunday with a bright red wig, but the break in the overall atmosphere of worship and reverence would outweigh any reason for me to wear it.

I might wear my new kilt to casual church events, like an ice cream social in the summer, or a chili cook-off in the fall, etc. But long before I do I will have private conversation with the Pastor to make sure that my "right" to wear anything I want does not infringe on the "what" a church is or represents.

The wearing of a kilt is for the pleasure of the wearer, and not to be the center of attention. It would be the same if I were wearing something from the American Revolution, or the Crusades, etc. I wear my kilt with the pride of my heritage, and of my long-lost ancestors, not to say "look at me".

And, unfortunately, we all have to realize and accept that to many the wearing of a kilt is "way out of the norm", maybe even "unacceptable for civilized folk". It's great for me, and it's OK for my family, but it's still questionable for many in my local community. I, for one, will take it very slow. Who knows - maybe someone will see me in public with my kilt and it will give them the courage to take their kilt out of the closet, blow off the dust, and wear theirs in public.

I have to admit that I felt empowered wearing my kilt for the first time in public. I really felt a touch of Scotland, a connection to my ancestors. I felt like a Scot (whatever that means).

[macwilkin]

That said, I have to agree with chasem's statement of "not to cause your brother to fault". Sure, I could show up one Sunday with a bright red wig, but the break in the overall atmosphere of worship and reverence would outweigh any reason for me to wear it.

The wearing of a kilt is for the pleasure of the wearer, and not to be the center of attention. It would be the same if I were wearing something from the American Revolution, or the Crusades, etc. I wear my kilt with the pride of my heritage, and of my long-lost ancestors, not to say "look at me".

I disagree with comparing the kilt to a "bright red wig". With a jacket and tie, or even a nice dress shirt and the full rig, a kilt is quite appropriate for a church service -- the most famous recent example would be The Duke of Rothesay (Prince Charles) attending church in Scotland dressed in day attire.

My Scottish ancestors were active members of their churches, so when I wear my kilt to services, I am honouring their faith & devotion, as well as my heritage, not to be "the center of attention".

Also on uniforms in church: I have worn my National Park Service Ranger uniform to early services before going to work, and no one has ever found that "distracting", at least to my knowledge. The same with law enforcement & military uniforms.

Regards,

Todd