Thoughts on the Maple Leaf Tartan

[Taskr]

ProudGCoG,
A statement you can find fairly often on this forum is that if a tartan appeals to you, you have a personal reason for choosing it, can answer relatively confidently when asked what it is and why you wear it, and it is not restricted (factually, not by opinion) from you wearing it, then wear it.
I found only one image of trousers in Maple Leaf (the Asymetric ...seems a symmetric weave was done for most images I found). In that image it appears the pattern runs to the outside from the inseam of each pant leg. Doesn't look half bad at all

[jthk]

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! I live in rural western Massachusetts and have always enjoyed the maples and what they bring to the neighbourhood and wider forest ecosystems. I am American and I have a maple leaf tartan. I think it's a beautiful tartan and while I can imagine there may be a few people who may be irked by me wearing it, I have no reservations at all.

I say go on -- wear it and love it.

Regards,
Jonathan

I will be graduating from university in May and would like to have a pair of tartan trews made for the occasion. I am originally from Massachusetts and my first job will either be in New England or in Canada. I have always loved the maple leaf tartan from an aesthetic point of view. I have also always enjoyed spending time in Canada (go Raptors!). I feel a close connection to all things maple from growing up in an area that produces many maple products. My wife has some Canadian family members as well.

My main question is: how would you feel if I wore the maple leaf tartan being a non-Canadian? Is a connection to Canada or maple sufficient? How protective of the maple leaf tartan are our Canadian members? I understand that the tartan is not restricted, but I would like to know if wearing it would cause offence to some, and if so why. I look forward to any opinions on the topic. Thank you.

Nick

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Taskr: I have also seen some images of maple leaf tartan trousers that I think look good. I think I would go with regular trousers rather than trews given the feedback I've received. The Scottish tartans Museum makes tartan trousers for a reasonable price too. I have seen that basic statement on xmarks before, but I thought the maple leaf tartan basically avoided causing offence to anyone and it appears I was mistaken. Still, I really appreciate your input.

Jonathan: I was waiting for an American with a maple leaf kilt to chime in. I know you're not the only one. I don't know if you're familiar with the "lighting of the merry maple" in Amherst for Christmas, but that is one of my favourite events. Thank you for your advice and congratulations.

If anyone else has an opinion, I would like all the input I can get. Thanks!

Nick

[Taskr]

Not certain whom you think its causing offence to. While its original design in 1964 was purportedly to commemorate the confederation of Canada (1867) and the maple leaf which is central to the Canadian flag, it wasn't adopted as the official national tartan until in 2011 ~ the horse had well left the barn regarding any national ownership. Its called the maple leaf tartan, not the Canada tartan. It is readily available internationally in various clothing items. Heck, you can get a Maple Leaf Tartan kilt from USA Kilts!! (listed with district and universals)

[Liam]

Not certain whom you think its causing offence to. While its original design in 1964 was purportedly to commemorate the confederation of Canada (1867) and the maple leaf which is central to the Canadian flag, it wasn't adopted as the official national tartan until in 2011 ~ the horse had well left the barn regarding any national ownership. Its called the maple leaf tartan, not the Canada tartan. It is readily available internationally in various clothing items. Heck, you can get a Maple Leaf Tartan kilt from USA Kilts!! (listed with district and universals)

With all respect, I view wearing of the Maple Leaf tartan much the same as wearing another's Clan's tartan. Of course you may wear it, but should you?
Slainte...

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

Interesting responses gents.

Taskr: your response sums up how I felt when I first started this thread. I sort of thought of the maple leaf tartan as a district tartan. I have seen maple leaf tartan neckties, scarves, and even shirts. I personally won't wear a clan tartan I am not affiliated with but I didn't think the maple leaf tartan came with the same issues. It seems it just might.

Liam: I really appreciate your honesty and your opinion. It seems like it's a bit of a minefield to not cause some kind of offence or at least cause a few cringes. Some people don't like it if you wear a kilt in North America, some don't like it if you wear a certain tartan (kilt or trousers), etc. It's always interesting to see what different symbols mean to different people.

As always, I appreciate everyone's input and welcome more.

[jthk]

Jonathan: I was waiting for an American with a maple leaf kilt to chime in. I know you're not the only one. I don't know if you're familiar with the "lighting of the merry maple" in Amherst for Christmas, but that is one of my favourite events. Thank you for your advice and congratulations.Nick

Nick,

Yes, Amherst is not far south from my house and I travel through it twice a day en route to my work (I'm a teacher). If you return to Massachusetts, perhaps we could meet up for a cuppa or something.

Regards,
Jonathan

[jthk]

Nick,

Yes, Amherst is not far south from my house and I travel through it twice a day en route to my work (I'm a teacher). If you return to Massachusetts, perhaps we could meet up for a cuppa or something.

Regards,
Jonathan

Further, and I'm confident that my perspective will offend someone, but if a tartan is beautiful and I can appreciate it for its beauty and I know (a) where (clan/district/etc.) it comes from, (b) a brief history, and (c) how to wear it "well", then I don't mind wearing any tartan.

Best,
Jonathan

[ProudGrandsonofClanGrant]

416 Rigby: From what I gather, you might still manage to offend someone, but your connection seems deep enough that
(although I cannot speak for them) I suppose most Canadians would "give you a pass".

Liam: What I love about this forum is that I am always learning. I have never heard such strict views regarding district tartans; I'm glad that I am now aware of how you (and possibly others) feel about some of them.

Jonathan: I have no idea if I will end up back in Massachusetts after graduation, but I wouldn't rule out a cuppa at some time. I guess I am a little more cautious about which tartans I would wear but I can definitely understand your stance as well.

Thank you for all the replies. I guess my deepest connection is to New Brunswick rather than all of Canada but trousers in that tartan would be very expensive. You've all given me things to think about. If anyone has any other thoughts, please do share them.