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  1. #1
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    Kilts and visiting churches in Europe

    I will likely be going to Europe next year. Spain is a strong possibility, but it might be France and/or Italy.

    My question has to do with visiting churches. From the various guide books I've been reading, many Catholic churches prohibit entry to people wearing shorts and other such "immodest" clothing. Am I likely to encounter any problems if I wanted to see the inside of a church while wearing a kilt? Any suggestions on how to handle a frantic docent who is trying to shoo me out because of my "skirt"?

  2. #2
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    18th April 06
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    Quote Originally Posted by TechBear
    Any suggestions on how to handle a frantic docent who is trying to shoo me out because of my "skirt"?
    Matthew 6:28-29

    28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin,

    29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.

  3. #3
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    5th September 05
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    I've always wondered...certainly "immodest" clothing is right out....you can understand that...whether some folks can actually inderstand that their attire is "immodest" to others is another question. I'm sure that a whole lot of Xsmarksers are of the mind that they will dress appropriately for any event or occaision and will show the proper respect even if said event is not necessarily connected to whatever religion/faith/belief structure that they personally believe in...I wouldn't think of going into any religious structure (active or ancient) attired any other way than respectfully...you just don't "dis" folks by not showing your understanding and respect. Same thing applies to going to events...most notably the theatre...I dress...it isn't casual...some folks look like they just got back from the beach...

    ...it's just gotten too damn "casual"...which is my way of saying sloppy. Touristy behaviour to the point of being obnoxious.

    Where the kilt fits in is open to discussion...worn formally or semi-formally or worn casually? A tartan kilt versus a contempo kilt? ...sorry to bring that up but the tartan is usually recognized immediately as a kilt where it probably takes a few seconds for the unitiated to grok a contemporary kilt.

    It has to be cultural as well...in some places they get it right away, in some others it will have to be explained. Go figger...global village?...not quite.

    Best

    AA

  4. #4
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    21st February 04
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    The group I was with never had any problems when we visited churches in Belgium. Generaly there was at least one person in shorts (and usually it was a girl), and no one objected. The rule I know is that women must have their shoulders and knees covered. I've never heard a similar rule for men. I'm Catholic, and getting married in a Catholic church in a kilt. I know things are different in Europe, but I don't think you'll have a problem. Make sure to wear kilt hose, though, just to be on the safe side.

    Cheers,
    Nick
    An uair a théid an gobhainn air bhathal 'se is feàrr a bhi réidh ris.
    (When the smith gets wildly excited, 'tis best to agree with him.)

    Kiltio Ergo Sum.
    I Kilt, therefore I am. -McClef

  5. #5
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    My son was in Italy a few years ago with a group of students
    Girls and boys were not allowed into St. Peters and the Vatican
    While wearing shorts
    I'm an 18th century guy born into the 20th century and have been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

    We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing"

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by TechBear
    I will likely be going to Europe next year. Spain is a strong possibility, but it might be France and/or Italy.

    My question has to do with visiting churches. From the various guide books I've been reading, many Catholic churches prohibit entry to people wearing shorts and other such "immodest" clothing. Am I likely to encounter any problems if I wanted to see the inside of a church while wearing a kilt? Any suggestions on how to handle a frantic docent who is trying to shoo me out because of my "skirt"?
    I was confirmed in the Catholic Church while wearing a kilt Our local priest almost insisted on it......I've never had less than admiring looks wear your kilt with pride
    All the Best.....David.
    Why be part of the crowd Choose a Freelander Sporran
    A Member of the Caledonian Society of Norway
    My Photo Gallery Flickr

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Gondek
    My son was in Italy a few years ago with a group of students
    Girls and boys were not allowed into St. Peters and the Vatican
    While wearing shorts
    Right, but a kilt is not shorts even if they do end at about the same point for most guys. That's why I think there would be a difference.

    Nick
    An uair a théid an gobhainn air bhathal 'se is feàrr a bhi réidh ris.
    (When the smith gets wildly excited, 'tis best to agree with him.)

    Kiltio Ergo Sum.
    I Kilt, therefore I am. -McClef

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    You should have no problem kilted in Europe at the churches. I was just in Barcalona a few months ago (right before my first kilt) and saw multiple people wearing kilts. Spain especially is used to large amounts of tourists from the UK. Valencia Kilted might have the best insight on Spain for you.

  9. #9
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    28th October 05
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    Right, but a kilt is not shorts even if they do end at about the same point for most guys. That's why I think there would be a difference.
    You Know that,
    I know that,
    but do the Swiss Guards Know that?

    I would hate to wait in a long line only to be told
    that I'm not to be allowed in
    I'm an 18th century guy born into the 20th century and have been dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

    We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing"

  10. #10
    Join Date
    21st February 04
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joe Gondek
    You Know that,
    I know that,
    but do the Swiss Guards Know that?


    I'm looking foreward to the answer for when I finally make it to the Vatican.
    An uair a théid an gobhainn air bhathal 'se is feàrr a bhi réidh ris.
    (When the smith gets wildly excited, 'tis best to agree with him.)

    Kiltio Ergo Sum.
    I Kilt, therefore I am. -McClef

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