Kilts at funerals/memorial services

**Jock Scot** · 16th March 11, 08:52 AM

Ahem, should one take the trouble of reading the first post on this thread you will clearly see that the OP was asking about the situation in Scotland.

Of course the kilt is appropriate attire, providing it is worn appropriately on the appropriate occasion and that is best left to the sympathetic judgement of the person on the spot.

**Riverkilt** · 16th March 11, 09:08 AM

Touche'.

Vision clouded by the OPs residence in Dallas, Texas U.S.A.

Me Culpa

**davedove** · 16th March 11, 10:09 AM

I think another factor that should be considered, whether in the highlands or elsewhere, is why one would want to wear the kilt to a funeral. If one is wearing the kilt out of respect for the deceased or his/her family, then it seems that would be appropriate. If one is wearing the kilt to stand out, that is improper.

As Jock said in different words, a few short questions can dispel a lot of uncertainty.

**Jaggy thistle** · 16th March 11, 12:35 PM

the only good pair of trousers I own are kept for funerals as I think the kilt is for happier occasions I do wear my kilt for a memorial service as that is a celebration of the persons life

**Lallans** · 16th March 11, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

Father Bill, you have a keen sense of the subtle. I always appreciate your commentary, but I wonder...where does Canada fall (in your opinion) with regards to America and Scotland?

I'll contribute my own observations (unasked): Canada is far more like Scotland in relation to kilt practices than the USA is, but also, as in all things, we are at the same time sometimes far more like the USA than we are like Scotland where kilts are concerned. Or to put it another way, the USA is more like Canada regarding kilts than the USA is like Scotland... I hope that makes everything clear?

**Father Bill** · 16th March 11, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

I'll contribute my own observations (unasked): Canada is far more like Scotland in relation to kilt practices than the USA is, but also, as in all things, we are at the same time sometimes far more like the USA than we are like Scotland where kilts are concerned. Or to put it another way, the USA is more like Canada regarding kilts than the USA is like Scotland... I hope that makes everything clear?

Unasked or not, I'm pleased to see your thoughts. I can see whereof you speak!

**Cowher** · 16th March 11, 02:07 PM

Regardless of location if we want the kilt to be accepted and embraced like p@nts then asking for permission is destructive twords that end

**Jock Scot** · 16th March 11, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by Cowher

Regardless of location if we want the kilt to be accepted and embraced like p@nts then asking for permission is destructive twords that end

"Regardless of location", I personally consider that purely selfish thoughts should be put aside and the wishes of the deceased family take precidence and they deserve the utmost consideration during their trying time.

**davidlpope** · 16th March 11, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Tartan Tess

Last summer, I met a man from Scotland who told me he had some tartan fabric at home from his family that was "Mourning tartan" he didn't know anything else about it.
Last month I was at Elsie's (The art of kilt making book) and asked her about it.
She said it would be MacFarlane black and white tartan.

See this thread for a previous discussion on "mourning tartans"
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...g-dress-60303/

**Father Bill** · 16th March 11, 02:33 PM

Respectfully, it seems to me that if we wish the kilt to be universally accepted (and I'm not actually sure what the purpose of that is since I can wear it if I want to anyway) then imposing it in circumstances where it could cause grief or discomfort doesn't seem to me to be a very diplomatic way to do so. It's likely to cause resentment that could last into other circumstances. My tuppence.