Style, Fashion Rules, traditions, Flat caps, and the missing element...

[Friday]

As we discuss this and other items on this forum, and a nice discussion this is, some things come to mind. I choose to believe that we all realize these things but they might not always on the top of our minds or the tips of our tongues fingers as we type.

We are talking in written word. The facial clues, body language and voice inflections that are use during verbal conversations to convey much, if not most, meaning to our words are not present. So we need to think is that even though the words I am typing are the word I am "saying" do they convey exactly what I mean.

This is an international forum even it there were only one language spoken around the world words often have region meanings or submeaning that may not be known to all. As someone once said the US and England are two countries separated by a common language. As I read through many threads it becomes clear that often one writers reaction are to words that may not have been understood to mean the same thing as the writer intended. As the thread continues you can see the two come together as a common meaning is reached.

In my opinion I often wear a kilt and other times wear a wrap-a-round skirt pleated in the back and with and over and under apron. By this I mean that when I am wearing a kilt I am trying to honor my Scottish ancestors and as such which to follow traditions as much as possible. On the other hand there are time in which I choose to wear a comfortable piece of clothing that may or may not be plaid, but I am not trying to look like a highlander but a comfortable person. I personally do not believe that wearing comfortable clothing as I like is disrespectful to any one or any culture. I have a friend who is into punk and has punked out a kilt. His style not mine, I do not like the look but knowing this person I know that it is not done to disrespect by to bring his style to a piece of clothing.

Also as we look at kilt attire we must also adjust for the fact that wearing a kilt is becoming more and more international. Because of this some changes need to be made for the difference in location. I live in the eastern United States 100s of mile south of the where the highland of Scotland lay. I am also 100s of miles from the ocean and even though I am not at sea level the altitude is not as high as the we hills of the highland. The though of wearing a wool jacket and vest for most of the year brings images of a sauna to mind. I like the look and style of jacket and vest with a kilt, but I would imagine that some would look at a light weight cotton/linen jacket and vest disrespectful to highland customs and traditions. For me it is a fact of reality adapting to the local conditions.

In closing I see nothing wrong with Grant's chicken sporran he is just honoring his families traditional role as chicken rustlers. If you stick chickens under you belt you can carry more than if you use hands alone.

[The picture of Grant's chicken sporran should serve as a reminder that anything posted on the internet will live forever. I assume that that picture will still be around in 100 years. Grant the immortal kilt wearer.}