Christian cross as kilt pin

**OC Richard** · 2nd February 11, 05:07 AM

About cross kilt pins, I really wanted one back in the 1980s and at that time I couldn't find anyplace that made them. At the time I worked at a Highland Outfitter and we carried Carrick and Ortak etc but no crosses at that time.

At that time I travelled to Scotland for my first time and likewise no cross kilt pins to be seen at any of the dozens of shops I visited in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Skye, etc etc.

So I had one made! Either by Carrick or Ortak, I dont' remember. They had a lovely Celtic Cross pendant in sterling silver and I had them make it up with a pin back. I wore that pin for many years until I gave up wearing kilt pins altogether to avoid damage to my kilts.

Nowadays Celtic Cross kilt pins are common. I see them sold at every Games. But none, in my opinion, look as nice as mine.

About the "tradition" of kilt pins: Note that in The Highlanders Of Scotland very few men are wearing kilt pins at all, and none of the kilt pins resemble the sword or sword & targe etc kilt pins that evolved in the 20th century. The 1860s kilt pins seen in THOS are plain open circlets or ovals, or Clan Crest badges.

About liturgical colours: I have most of them covered quite nicely with my Isle of Skye kilt (purple, green, and white...well actually a very pale grey...)

**macwilkin** · 2nd February 11, 05:11 AM

Originally Posted by SlackerDrummer

If by "traditional" you mean every other denomination. The Liturgical colors vary somewhat worldwide, but they exist in all branches of Christianity.

Can't say I've seen used much here among the various evangelical denominations in the Bible Belt...When I was a Presbyterian, a minister at our church, who was an ex-Baptist, had to ask my mother why "we changed the hangings on the pulpit", so I'm not so sure about your statement. I daresay some folks in these parts would reject the custom. Being a a "High-Church" Anglican, I love the idea.

T.

**slohairt** · 2nd February 11, 06:08 AM

I (and many other retailers) carry this Celtic Cross kilt pin. It has fairly rounded edges and comes in Antique or Chrome.

**Bing** · 2nd February 11, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

Just did a Bing search for .......

I would like to point out that I did not actually do the search in question.

**Father Bill** · 8th February 11, 12:50 PM

I certainly wear a Celtic cross - for obvious reasons! As per denominations, I'm Anglican, and the kilt is Ancient Clergy (blue) I'm going to enjoy collecting a variety of pins; I just bought a Grouse claw on E-Bay and am looking forward to trying that. I think I'd enjoy a round Celtic Cross too. Less places for it to catch.

**Lallans** · 8th February 11, 01:12 PM

[QUOTE=OC Richard;949315][B]About the "tradition" of kilt pins: ...

Note that in The Highlanders Of Scotland very few men are wearing kilt pins at all, and none of the kilt pins resemble the sword or sword & targe etc kilt pins that evolved in the 20th century. The 1860s kilt pins seen in THOS are plain open circlets or ovals, or Clan Crest badges. ...

QUOTE]

Surprised no one has repeated the oft-heard and I think true story that kilt pins originated when Queen Victoria witnessed a squaddie's kilt apron blowing up in the wind and handed him a pin to preserve his modesty (or hers). Like the unbuttoned vest or waistcoat button, the Royal precedent set the fashion.

**Frank McGrath** · 8th February 11, 05:52 PM

I' use my Grandfather's retirement badge as a kilt pin. It attracts a lot of attention. I have also experimented with other things. Some worked, most didnt. Super Glue works wonders.

**ohiopiper** · 9th February 11, 01:55 AM

Like everyone else has said, go for it. Beyond the practical limits of size and weight, the only limits are your budget and taste.

I don't recall who it was, but a fellow on here is an avid fisherman. He had several variations of rainbow trout pins he used for kilt pins. Many choose to have something meaningful for a kilt pin. As a Christian, the cross is meaningful. It would make a great kilt pin, both in design and function.

Like most things, the basic questions are:
Do you like it?
Can you afford it?
If yes to both, go for it.

**OC Richard** · 9th February 11, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by Canuck of NI

the oft-heard and I think true story that kilt pins originated when Queen Victoria witnessed a squaddie's kilt apron blowing up in the wind and handed him a pin to preserve his modesty (or hers).

I've never thought this story held water. A kilt pin does nothing to preserve modesty, does it? If the wind should lift that one corner of the upper apron there's an under apron there. If the wind is strong enough to lift both the upper and under apron, it will do, whether there's a kilt pin or not.

Kilt pins don't go through to the under apron anyhow.

A military blanket pin adds a tiny bit of weight, probably insignificant seeing as it's pinned to an Army kilt made of 22oz tartan.

Only the Gordons used kilt pins anyhow. Maybe it's the military influence which has made me always think that kilt pins weren't a necessary accessory. I haven't worn a kilt pin in years, except when I'm playing in a band that requires them.