Clan 'God'

[Mike1]

There is no question that the Kirk (capital K, in this instance) did adopt a very political stance and that many Scots are distrustful, because of that.

Issues such as religion are no different in Scotland than they are here. As highlander_Daz has pointed out, the subject of fitba is another that can be extremely volatile. The John McCloskey song, The Green And The Blue can be quite confusing for those who live outside Scotland. I promise you that highlander_Daz understands, however.

It is good for all of us to examine more closely the history and the culture of Scotland.

[Scotus]

Well said Matthew.

[Galant]

A question then, what exactly does 'clergy' refer to? A particular denomination - C of E, C of S?

Or is just a reference to those in the full time service of God no matter denomination?

[usndoc]

In reference to Matt's discussion of the West Point Tartan.

My supervisor is a West Point grad, a scot, and very proud of both. When he decided to get a kilt, the West Point tartan was his first choice. That decision was the easiest part. Getting it was a bigger deal.

He contacted the tailor that makes the West Point kilts and they could not sell him a kilt or the material. It turns out that all of the material they have on hand is actually owned by the school and rightfully so they cannot sell it.

He was referred to the mill. The mill stated that the tartan was a special run only done every few years and all of it belonged to the school. He could ask for additional to be run but it would be a while before the next run.

Luckily, he had kept contact with a member of the local clergy who was able to help him purchase enough material for a kilt from the school. His wife made his kilt and I used it as an example to make mine. I will try to post some pics of his kilt soon. They have a very nice tartan that I would love to wear. But, as Matt said, I would not feel comfortable wearing something that I had not earned the right to wear.

I wish you luck in picking out your tartan. I have a few more options with personal ties to Mcgregor, McLeod, and Black Watch. I may look into the US Navy and a few others later.

[macwilkin]

A question then, what exactly does 'clergy' refer to? A particular denomination - C of E, C of S?

Or is just a reference to those in the full time service of God no matter denomination?

In my tartan books, it never mentions a certain denomination, but the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) is the established church, and I have seen a bonnet badge for clergy with the Burning Bush Emblem & motto of the Kirk. I have seen Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Methodist clergy wearing the clergy tartan in some form -- kilt, tie and clerical stole, the latter with embroidered celtic crosses -- very nice!

Cheers,

Todd

[highlander_Daz]

clergy is from where you get the names clarke/ Clarkson, its from the latin Clericus -the cleric hence Clarkson -son of the clarke/ cleric, also MacPherson Mac=son of, and Phearson is from the word Parson a clergyman. this presuamably is why Clarke Tartan and Blue Clergy are very similar its and occupational name.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I've never seen a specific reference to a denomination where the Clergy tartan is concerned, though in some of Wilsons' early pattern books, I believe it was called "Priest."

The Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) and the Catholic Church are the two largest bodies of believers in Scotland, though you will also see Church of England, Methodists, and a smattering of Baptists.

Here in the states I've seen the Clergy tartan worn by Presbyterians most often, but also Episcopalians, Methodists, and even Eastern Orthodox. So it seems to cross "party lines" so to speak.

Aye,
Matt

[Galant]

And so, if I may ask, what would be the specific requirements for wearing one?

Best guess.?

[macwilkin]

Don't take this as "official" by any means, but personally, I would only wear it if I was an ordained member of the clergy -- in my church that is a priest or deacon.

Cheers,

Todd

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I'd agree with Todd. There are no "official" requirements for wearing one. My point is that unless you consider yourself a member of the clergy (regardless of denomination) I would hesitate to wear the tartan. Because when you wear it, people are likely to recognize it and assume you are a clergyman. That's all it boils down to.
Aye,
Matt