Phillabeg, Feilidh-beag, or "Little Kilt"

**Phicong** · 17th January 07, 11:07 AM

The directions which PIOBBEAR provided are what I was looking for. I was not searching for information about a generic modern or traditional kilt but rather the old model Feilidh-beag which was folded each wearing by the wearer. According to Celtic Croft, they also make the Feilidh-beag with sewn in pleats. I would love some pics to see how this is done exactly, especially the waist band and the concealed buckles.
I thank everyone who replied to my request. To answer those who wonder why I want an old model Feilidh-beag, it is probably for the same reason that I fly paragliders, because I want to.

Gordon of Clan MacHardy origin

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 17th January 07, 11:21 AM

The Gaelic term feilidh-beag (often Anglicized as "phillabeg") simply means "little wrap."

A lot of people use it to mean the modern day kilt, and this is one correct usage of the term.

However, myself, and others who are concerned with the history of the kilt and its development, use the term slightly differently.

I use the term feilidh-mor to refer to the large belted plaid (double width), worn from the late 16th through to the latter 18th centuries.

I use the term feilidh-beag to refer to the untailored lower portion of the belted plaid (single width), worn from the early 18th century (some might say earlier) to the end of the 18th century.

I use the term "kilt" to refer to the modern tailored kilt, worn from the 1790s on to today, in various styles of pleating.

I find that those who deal with historical and well as modern kilts will use the term feilidh-beag in this more limited sense, while those whose concern for the kilt is mostly modern will use the term more broadly.

Neither are wrong. It just helps to specifiy just what you mean in a large public forum such as this one.

Matt