A question on ethics...

[bangkok kilt]

This leads back to the idea that tartans are not just pretty patterns, they have a meaning-be that meaning of Clan-a pattern reserved for the Chief , or maybe The Royal Family, and so on-maybe for an American Police Pipe Band or whatever. The last might be of recent origin, but albeit new-a tradition that I for one would respect, and a part of that respect would be to not wear that tartan, for to do so would be to masquarade under a false flag.

Coming full circle, if there is to be any validity to the kilt as we know it, we need to see it as more than just a sensible way to dress: rather it is something linking us to our heritage, a heritage of which we are, or should be proud. A heritage of which we cannot cherry pick the bits we like and ignore the bits we feel do not suit our wishes of the moment.

It is our choice, we either buy into the entire package as an entire package: or we throw it out of the window and lose any right to claim that wearing the kilt is anything other than a possibly eccentric, albeit sensible way of dressing.


James

Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't most of the modern tartans created by the mills? Therefore they don't necessarily have the historical significance we ascribe to them sometimes?

Also, we cherry pick parts of history all the time. You choose the good and you leave behind the bad, that's how we move forward. Nothing is static and if we only are allowed to dress one way, the way it used to be, then we become mere historical re-enactors.

I say go for what you like; be respectful of what you choose; and have an answer to why you're choosing it. If you weren't part of a regiment and you wanted to honor that regiment is there any better way to do that than wearing their tartan? That's my opinion.

[Mithral]

Other than my belted plaid (which is likely in a tartan that does not connect to anything, more on that later) I only own one kilt, which is in Black Watch.
Mainly because I happen to like the way it looks. I just happen to be a fan of the regiment. Fortunately for me and all other wearers of blackwatch tartan, it's considered to be an open (universal) tartan.

I plan to get more kilts, in different tartans. I will probably base my choices primarily on the look of the tartan, though I do plan to get a Muir tartan (My grandmother's family). I'm looking into any other affiliations I may have, and may base future kilt decisions on that, since I'm looking to join a clan society at some point.

I'm also a reenactor so when I'm looking at tartan for a belted plaid I don't bother with family tartans or even if it's a registered tartan. My main criterea are whether it looks like it was colored with natural dyes (bonus points if it actually was) and whether the tartan itself would make an effective sort of camoflage (It may have a repeating pattern, but it does work, to a degree.)

[Caradoc]

I'm also a reenactor so when I'm looking at tartan for a belted plaid I don't bother with family tartans or even if it's a registered tartan. My main criterea are whether it looks like it was colored with natural dyes (bonus points if it actually was) and whether the tartan itself would make an effective sort of camoflage (It may have a repeating pattern, but it does work, to a degree.)

I've got a couple of belted plaids in "non-tartan" patterns, including a nice creamy brown twill with very pale blue and green thin stripes in it.

It works very well as "desert camo," and if I unpin the shoulder and pull the top over my head, I look like a tumbleweed at dusk or after dark.

Some of the others in my group call it my "desert stealth Celt kit."

[Mithral]

I've got a couple of belted plaids in "non-tartan" patterns, including a nice creamy brown twill with very pale blue and green thin stripes in it.

It works very well as "desert camo," and if I unpin the shoulder and pull the top over my head, I look like a tumbleweed at dusk or after dark.

Some of the others in my group call it my "desert stealth Celt kit."

Very nice. My current belted plaid is dark blue and green with some pale red and yellow stripes, it mostly works at night, but if I get some good greenery it's definitely better than nothing.

[freddie]

Posted by James: I'm not really happy seeing someone wearing a tartan to which they do not have that genuine blood/regimental/band claim.
What about my situation. I was adopted and wear a tartan connected to my adoption family. I'm proud to wear this tartan, even though I'm not related by blood to the clan. I do however have a second kilt in the tartan of my blood line

[Shay]

When I started (and hopefully will restart soon!) making kilts, I decided I did not want to make or sell tartan kilts because it seems like a whole ball of wax that just gets stickier and stickier. Who can wear what, which tartans are protected, what's the difference between 'fake' and 'reinvented,' etc etc.

However, turning this around from tartans- is everyone who wears a black kilt or a tan Amerikilt 'posing' as an Irish person?

As for adoption- that is considered to be 'of the blood,' as far as I know. I know a couple families who'd, well, not fight tooth and nail, because they're the same religion as me, but would certainly give someone a stern talking if it was implied their children weren't part and parcel of their family traditions!

[michael steinrok]

If you wear a tartan or a saltire kilt with respect and honor or admiration I don't see a problem. There are a lot of kilt cops who might take offense,but I don't really care. I'm probably going to get a black stewart

[mrpharr]

I just thought of an idea that might bring another face to this disscussion. During St. Patrick's day my friends and i went to the local pub for a few pints and to listen to some music. At the pub there was an Africa American guy, that I see out at the soccer pitch, with a kilt on. My first thought was "what is that guy doing with a kilt on?" But the more I thought about it the more ashamed I was for even thinking that for a breif time. Why could he not wear one? He was celebrating the day the way he wanted too and who knows what his blood line is. Is it my job to be the kilt police? Hell no. Kilt pride is in everyone of us that is on this site and part of this group. It is fine to have oppinions but I will never challenge someones right for wearing what they feel is right for them. If anything, i will compliment them and if they need guidance then i will offer what little i can on the wearing of the garb. what do ya'll think?

[michael steinrok]

Just consider your self lucky for not making the black irish remark to him. The thought is OK no need for shame. Most people have thoughts like that all the time it's what we do about it that we needs must really consider. All of us have some biasness built in. How we truly act is the real measure of a man. Don't be so hard on yourself. You have a great attitude towards the new kilt wearer! Slan

[highlander_Daz]

Todd Ypur point about the flag struck a chord, last week I did a pipeing engagment in the north of England and with the run up to the world cup the flag of St George is everywhere, however I saw a group of children with a st georges flag with the word "Nationwide" enblazened on it and it seems the the Nationwide is a bank that has some sponsorship deal with the England football team, I dont like to see flags used in this way.