Clan Banners

[MacBean]

Good help, and thanks! I would not have asked for information if I weren't interested in getting the banner right (they are too expensive to get wrong). It seems that the Clan Badge is the thing, which is very fine.

I do see a need for a banner with the Clan name, and that is neither mentioned, nor as far as I can tell, regulated. It is not heraldic at all, but a practical banner. A bit of tartan, some words, I'd think those were fine.

[macwilkin]

Good help, and thanks! I would not have asked for information if I weren't interested in getting the banner right (they are too expensive to get wrong). It seems that the Clan Badge is the thing, which is very fine.

I do see a need for a banner with the Clan name, and that is neither mentioned, nor as far as I can tell, regulated. It is not heraldic at all, but a practical banner. A bit of tartan, some words, I'd think those were fine.

I think that's a good compromise; one banner to help identify the tent, while the more "formal" banner can serve a ceremonial role.

T.

[EagleJCS]

I've seen several variations and styles of banners. I think part of the design should take into account the intended use.

For something like a parade of tartans/march-past or a 'kirking', I think the main clan tartan (e.g. Scott red for Clan Scott - see my avatar) with the name of the clan and the clansman's crest on a Roman-style banner (suspended from a cross bar at the top) would be best. It identifies the clan in three ways, and the announcer could actually read the name of the clan if they're not familiar with the tartan or badge.

For the clan tent, a similar banner (maybe in another tartan of the clan) with just the 'sept' names under the clan name might draw people in (in addition to the marching banner above). The convener (person hosting the tent) would then be able to explain the relationships, etc. Flags made of the various clan tartans for that clan, with nothing else on them, could be used as well.

[ctbuchanan]

Here in the northeast USA most clans carry a tartan banner during parades unless the clan has a specific flag. For example the Clan Buchanan have a black rampant lion flag, the Sinclair have a black and white cross etc. But for the most part they are simply tartan fabric on a pole.

Here most clan put a vinyl name banner on the tent. Some have the clan badge or crest on it as well. We carried this horizontally tied to a pole in the NYC parade to identify the Clan but we also carried our banners on poles as well.

In other parts - esp. down south, you see a shield shaped banner with the clan name, crest and tartan hanging from a pole. But not so much up here.

There are no laws governing coat of arms in the USA. But tradition and respect would say that you shouldn't display the registered COA of a Chief or other person. Safer to stick with a crest or badge I would think.

Aye

[chrisupyonder]

Various Clan MacLaren banners here...

http://www.clanmaclarenna.org/photos.htm

[Korvyn]

There are no laws governing coat of arms in the USA. But tradition and respect would say that you shouldn't display the registered COA of a Chief or other person. Safer to stick with a crest or badge I would think.

Plus while the general public might not know of any transgressions or percieved ones. alot of us who do follow Scottish history and heritage would know and i'm sure you wouldn't some Jackhole calling you out and ruining a good time because he has an overinflated sense of duty. :P

[Burly Brute]

Plus while the general public might not know of any transgressions or percieved ones. alot of us who do follow Scottish history and heritage would know and i'm sure you wouldn't some Jackhole calling you out and ruining a good time because he has an overinflated sense of duty. :P

You mean Xmarks members? Hahaha, I jest of course!

[Santa Kona]

May I suggest Zellna Shaw @ http://www.thetartanlady.com/banners.html

[Santa Wally]

May I suggest Zellna Shaw @ http://www.thetartanlady.com/banners.html

Kona beat me to it. As I was reading through this thread, I was thinking of Zellna, The Tartan Lady. The last post in the thread, was Kona's. I second his suggestion. You can't go wrong with her banners.