Clan Tartan Appropriateness

[Mickey]

I know that this has been talked about in a round about way before, but I'm interested in a different perspective.

This stems from a bit of a debate that I had with the wife last night after seeing a young boy (about 6) wearing his father's USMC uniform shirt with ribbons and badges.

As an example, my step grandfather, who I was very close with, was a Campbell. I obviously am not. Now I know that I CAN wear Campbell to honor him and there's nothing anyone can do about it, but I'm more interested in thoughts from, say, any Campbells on their feelings about this. Assume you didn't know me from Adam and you met me wearing Campbell and I told you this. Would you take any slight offense at it?

Not looking for permissions here, but more the other way around from personal views. I have certain, though sometimes flexible, boundaries when it comes to military uniform wear. Not having a clan, I'm curious to know how clan members feel about these things? Where do you all draw lines when it comes to seeing someone in your family dress? Even though you may not say it directly to someone, do certain things personally rub your fur the wrong way when you see it, even though it may be "allowed"?

[Chas]

This assumes that people know what their tartan is and can recognise it. Apart from XMTS members, it is my experience that the vast majority of folks have no idea what their tartan looks like.

Regards

Chas

[Kiltboy]

... it is my experience that the vast majority of folks have no idea what their tartan looks like.
Chas

Agreed. You can't imagine how many times I've been told my Isle of Skye is "...my family tartan, why are you wearing it?".

[Mickey]

Quite right. This is geared towards the folks who do actually know. I know that there are people who are very proud of their family name, as am I, and I'm curious to know their deep down feelings on the subject.

[SteveB]

I am a member of Clan MacNeil Association of America. I have worn my MacNeil tartan on Barra, to no notice of anyone. At a pub on the Cowal (Lamont clan territory), I was asked if it was the Campbell tartan by a customer of the pub. The landlord assured him that mine was NOT a Campbell tartan. I enjoyed my pint in peace.

Rarely, if ever does anyone notice anything about the tartan, both in Scotland, and here in the States.

Slainte

[fluter]

Mickey:

May I take your grandfather's point of view? I have a step-son. He has a son. Obviously we are not related by blood, but they are my family.

If that feeling is sufficiently mutual---if my grandson considers himself part of my family---then my tartan is his tartan. If he wants to wear it, he doesn't have to perform any mental gymnastics to say he's honoring me. We are not a genealogical society, we are a family. I would indeed be honored and humbled if that came to pass, but that isn't the point.

That tartan does not match either of our last names, but it's still ours.

Back to your family: From how you feel about your grandfather, it's pretty obvious that he considered you part of his family. I'd bet you a pint of the best that he never introduced you as "my step-grandson, Mickey."

Wear it, and don't over-complicate this. He's your grandfather.

[Jock Scot]

I know that most, if not all, Clan tartans are not THAT old, compared to many antiquities, but many tartans are still older than some countries.

Having said that, I would not even consider any other tartan other than my own. With two exceptions that will never apply to me at my age! One; a Regimental Tartan that I would wear as an official uniform and Two; as a member of a pipe band.

I am blessed with two step children and their mother and I have no problem at all in encouraging them to wear their late father's tartan rather than mine and that is only right and proper in my view. My dear wife, I am glad to say, proudly wears mine rather than her own family one ,or, her late husband's.

[Riverkilt]

One thing came to mind for me is all the garment manufacturers that make clothing - from shirts to bathrobes - in clan tartans.

Rather than upset me when I see one of my clan tartans made up into a shirt, bathrobe, or whatever - I rejoice, order it, and wear it proudly.

I don't think about, or worry about, other people who might order it with no idea its a clan tartan.

If I saw someone wearing one of my clan tartans on the street I'm liable to go up to them and say "Hey Cousin!" If they look bewildered - then they just liked the look of the tartan.

And, as mentioned, I remain amazed at how many "tartan experts" who approach me with their opinions are dead wrong about the tartan I'm wearing at the time.

[Mickey]

Thanks guys, but not really the point I'm looking for here.

I'm not asking if I can wear a Campbell tartan. If I want to, I will. It was just an example.

I guess that to simplify, let's to back to SteveB and Jock. I have no affiliation with MacNeils or Jock. How would you guys personally feel if I were wearing your tartans? Would it raise your hackles a little? Would you not care in the least?

This is not about what anybody can wear, but just in inquiry to clan "owners" on a personal level.

I believe anybody can wear whatever they want. If I saw a guy wearing a USMC dress jacket and he mentioned that he was never in the USMC, it would really chap my hide. I might not berate him (depending on my mood) but it would get under my skin. I'm wondering if clan members have this same sort of "possessive" feeling towards their family tartans.

[Jock Scot]

I (nor would many/any Scot)would not even ask, I would just assume it was "your" tartan. You see, we generally only wear one tartan and we don't go in for the two hour lecture on the justifiction of your choice. It is what it is. If you don't tell me I won't ask.