5 People You Meet in Heaven

[macwilkin]

It's all in what your goals are. My goal is to make kilts a viable clothing choice by the end of 2012. The occasional wearer isn't really about that, and he helps reinforce the "kilt-as-costume" stereotype (ie: that a kilt is something that is only worn under very clearly defined circumstances). I'll grant that the occasional wearer is better than the never-gonna-wearer, but unless they wear their kilts somewhere other than the altar, the highland events field or the Burns supper table, they are not really what I'm about.

Am I saying they're wrong to do so? Hardly. But I'll do what I can to make them more than just occasional wearers.

I do not wear my kilt 365 days of the year, and never plan on it. My kilt is important to me as a symbol of my heritage and family, and I don't want to see it become "just another garment" because of the meaning behind it for me. I wear my kilt for St. Andrew's Day, Burns Night and Tartan Day, Scottish functions and educational programs -- these days and events are important to me, and the kilt adds to the significance of those days.

I wore a kilt to my wedding because it was important to me to honour my family. We incorporated Scottish and Cajun customs in our wedding to pay tribute to our families which were so instrumental in shaping who my wife and I are today, as well as our two grandmothers, also both very proud of their heritages, who were there in spirit, though not in body.

What if they (occasional wearers) don't want to be more than "occasional wearers"? That is there choice, and it should be respected. Not saying that you don't, but respect is a two-way street.

For those like myself, there is nothing "stereotypical" behind wearing the kilt for weddings, games and Burns Suppers -- it's only natural. Sure, I wear my traditional kilt casually for games and other outdoor activities, but that's the beauty of a traditional kilt, sort of like a long-sleeved shirt -- you can always roll the sleeves up to make it casual, but you can't make a short-sleeved shirt more formal! :mrgreen:

As a traditionalist, I respect all points-of-view and all forms of kilt-wearing. I hold myself and myself only responsible for "dressing traditionally". All I ask is the same in return.

Regards,

Todd

[bubba]

I've said it before, I'm not into causes. Yes, I wear my kilts every day because I like to and am comfortable doing so. This doesn't mean I think everyone should or that everyone needs to wear it the way I do. Wear your kilts as you see fit.