Too Traditional?

[Bugbear]

I really enjoy a discussion like this for many reasons. First of all it satisfies my curiosity about THCD in a way that no amount of Googling or time in the library ever could and secondly, I'm in such good company Being an academic-in-training helps with the desire to learn, the way to form good questions, and a pinch of Socratic method

You're much better at extracting information from traditionalists than I ever was, CMcG. While your academic experience probably helps, I suspect you are also much more familiar with the Highland attire traditions than some of us, and know what questions to ask…
Although, MacLowlife seems to know more than he lets on, too…

[davidlpope]

MacLL,

In response to your most recent post (I, likewise, have yet how to make the quote function work...), I thought of exactly that- ("What those men need is a neat bourbon or a PBR in a bottle to carry around!"), but I hesitated to suggest it since all the Highland Games around here are "officially" dry.

This is what happens when Presbyterian and Episcopalian emigrants live among Baptists for too many generations.

Are you going to be at Loch Norman or Greenville? We really have to meet up. I've got the great idea for a custom kilt jacket in seersucker...

[JSFMACLJR]

Another "action shot" with cromach in use.

[creagdhubh]

MacLL,

In response to your most recent post (I, likewise, have yet how to make the quote function work...), I thought of exactly that- ("What those men need is a neat bourbon or a PBR in a bottle to carry around!"), but I hesitated to suggest it since all the Highland Games around here are "officially" dry.

This is what happens when Presbyterian and Episcopalian emigrants live among Baptists for too many generations.

I never really understood this, but then again I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where there are no "dry" Scottish events (or any other type of event for that matter). I understand there are "dry" counties in various U.S. States, mainly in the southern part of the country, correct?

My first encounter with an "officially" dry Highland Games was in Batesville, Arkansas when I tagged along with my mate and piper, Matt Pantaleoni when he was the Pipe Major of the St. Louis Caledonian Pipe Band. We made do by enjoying a wee dram or two back at the hotel. My second encounter with an "officially" dry Scottish event was at the Kentucky Scottish Weekend; however, myself, my wife, and Sandy made do by having a few proper pints over quite a pleasant chat near our car in the parking lot!

Cheers,

[SlackerDrummer]

My second encounter with an "officially" dry Scottish event was at the Kentucky Scottish Weekend; however, myself, my wife, and Sandy made do by having a few proper pints over quite a pleasant chat near our car in the parking lot!

Since last year's Kentucky Scottish Weekend, General Butler State Resort Park (where the event takes place) became one of 5 Kentucky state parks to obtain a liquor license. I have not heard whether or not that will have any effect on the availability of alcohol at the Games, though. If it isn't in the works, it should be.

[Panache]

Hail, Hail, CMcG,

This is the first thread in our Traditional Forum to go this high (in number of replies) since your thread last summer on defining Traditional Highland Civilian Dress. And just to make sure nobody thinks I am piling on spam here, I will add two additional corollaries concerning "Too Traditional"...


2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

A good walking stick is a sign of a gentleman and of a fellow that knows how useful they are!

Cheers

Jamie

[Zardoz]

2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

Does a 9mm diameter scar count? It sure makes my leg stiff when I walk around all day!
I have a couple different sticks that I'll bring along if I know I'm gonna be walking or standing around a lot, like at Renfaire. None of them are 'cromachs' or fancy at all really, but they are sturdy and useful. I mentally put canes, sticks, staffs, crooks, etc... into one of two catagories; they are either a walking aid, or a display. I realize these are sometimes overlapping though.


Almost everybody at faire these days has a staff or stick of some kind, I remember being in a disscussion with a group of 10 or 12 guys one time and somebody passing by said "hey it's a staff meeting!"

[Bugbear]

Sure, MacLowlife, blame it all on CMcG.

I use my wooden sticks in the orchard and thornbushes, but then I've been accused of being half-crabbit… I think it's more a practicality.

[Tobus]

2) A walking staff or stick requires an Ace bandage, an actual cast, a journey of five miles or more, or a full head of grey/ gray hair to keep it from looking affected. You may substitute a scar of 10 inches in length, provided you are prepared to show it.

I disagree with this. I mean, we're wearing kilts, sporrans, and all other accoutrements of traditional Highland dress. If a walking stick is really the item that gives you pause, perhaps you're overthinking it.

[creagdhubh]

I disagree with this. I mean, we're wearing kilts, sporrans, and all other accoutrements of traditional Highland dress. If a walking stick is really the item that gives you pause, perhaps you're overthinking it.

I agree with you, Tobus and I completely disagreed with the above quoted statement as well. Cromachs (or perhaps another style of walking stick) with Highland day attire are just as traditional and appropriate as a smart, tweed 'Argyll' jacket and waistcoat, or any other accoutrement in regards to tradtional Highland dress.

Cheers,