Quote Originally Posted by Mair of the Tribe of Mar View Post
The chiefs now, though, wish for us (clan members) to adopt whatever tartan that they have. And they also try to maintain an antiquated romantic form of what the Highlands use to be.
I can't help but [respectfully] see the irony of the content of this post, while the poster has as their avatar, a "clansman's badge", which denotes loyalty to a clan Chief.

Not all chiefs, by the way, feel so strongly on their clan's tartans.

Unfortunately, these romantic ideas of kilts in the highlands where McDonald's wore a specific tartan and Campbell's used a different, but specific tartan is hogwash. The only thing that the continued use of these ideas are good for, is to line the pocketbooks of the few that deal in the trades regarding Scottish "history." (I used McDonald and Campbell because of historic animosity, which has been romanticized to an effect.)

That being said, I do feel that there is something to be said for wearing the tartan of one's own family or clan, "it's how it's done NOW." But also, this shouldn't stop me from going out and purchasing a McDonald tartan just because I like the set. And personally, I don't feel that I am abandoning my chief because I don't like the tartan that he/she has decided to like. To base a person's "allegiance" on whether they buy a certain color cloth or not seems a little shaky.

Just my two cents, I will get down now
Peace and Harmony
I'll be the first one to say that the concept of clan tartans has no ancient pedigree -- that's pretty much a given.

But, I'm not so sure I agree that the concept of clan tartans should be dismissed so outright because of it. The simple fact of the matter is that the Clan Chief does have the authority to decide which tartans are "official" clan tartans. Obviously that won't stop anyone who doesn't give a fig what the clan chief says, but nevertheless, it has become a custom today, and I personally respect it. That doesn't mean others have to agree with me, and I do not expect them to. I think sometimes folks are a bit too "iconclastic" when it comes to clan tartans.

Respectfully,

Todd