Clans

[macwilkin]

That is so good to hear. I am the Vice-President of St. Andrew's of Mid-Maryland. We also let anyone who has the money for either associate member or full voting in. If you are not Scottish or of Celtic ancestory somewhere, we will make you. It usually involves a bit of alcohol.

Same here, David. You know that when an English officer was seconded to any of the Scottish Regiments, he was usually made to down a thistle in a glass of whisky to "make him a Scotsman" -- ouch! I don't think any of our new members would go for that! :mrgreen:

One couple, who are some of our most active & dependable members, really doesn't have a lot of Scottish heritage at all -- his is German Lutheran from Nebraska, hers is Cherokee Indian (and there might be some Scot in that) -- but they are big Robert Burns buffs.

Cheers,

T.

[Riverkilt]

So hey, any cousins out there??

My main clans, the thickest blood, are Macdonald, Cameron, Gillis, Fletcher, Gordon, Scott, Fraser.

Thinner blood, older ancestors, with Smith, MacMillan, Keith, Gunn, Smith, Wilson, Taylor, and Clark.

So, lots of tartans to choose from.

Ron

[cryptonom]

Well, among the way, way too many planned Kilt purchases is a Bearkilt in Farquharson tartan. Going back a generation, I'm a Lyon (nee Lyons) which is a sept of the clan Farquharson. I've tried desperately to see if I could find a tartan for Lyon, but haven't had any luck in doing so.

Also got Irish (Bryant) that might enter into the tartan buying.

But I really like the Farquharson tartan, so it's a bonus that it's actually attached to my family. I'd probably get the Modern, although the Ancient looks nice as well.

[al' Sporrano]

You kilt purists must be pretty pissed off at me wearing a tartan that isn't my clans!

but maybe if I trace back far enough, There's a tiny bit of MacDougal in me...

My clan is the Clan Davidson, though you have to go way back to find any Scottish connection. However, I read with interest the 'criteria' for formally joining the Davidson Clan.

Apart from being Scottish, having the name or some family connection, they also invite anyone who is interested in the Clan and who would wear the tartan with pride and honour. Just about covers anyone.

That should be encouragement enough to don that kilt and wear it with confidence and pride.

As for being part of a clan - a good idea, if only for the chance of a good piss up once in a while with like minded people.

Al

[Colin]

I love the idea and the romance of the clan system, but actually give it very little wait or thought. I am a member of the clan MacKenzie society, and also have part of the Wood clan (very exclusive apparently ). I carry the clans of my Scottish ancestors in my blood, but that is as far as it goes. I will wear another clan's tartan, but only if it means something to me (it's a friend's clan, it has a connection to my clans, or it' an open tartan).

I do still consider myself part of a clan, but my clansmen are my family and my close friends (some members of this board included) as we watch over each other and enjoy each other's friendship, guidance, loyalty, protection, and support.

[macwilkin]

I will wear another clan's tartan, but only if it means something to me (it's a friend's clan, it has a connection to my clans, or it' an open tartan).

I do still consider myself part of a clan, but my clansmen are my family and my close friends (some members of this board included) as we watch over each other and enjoy each other's friendship, guidance, loyalty, protection, and support.

Colin, you have just summed up the clan system very nicely. :mrgreen:

I also like your reasons for wearing tartan: MEANING. Most of the "tartan experts" recommend some connection between tartan and the wearer, no matter how small or remote.

Cheers,

T.

[Riverkilt]

The Navajos also have a strong clan system. Of course its matriarchal. They pay close attention to clan relationships and won't even date anyone from the same clan as their parents.

They have a term I like a lot, "cousin-brother" to describe someone from the same clan.

I think it fits well for this board. A lot of cousin-brothers here.

Navajos suffered much as the Scots did - overrun by a stronger power, prohibited from speaking their language and practicing their traditional beliefs.

[GMan]

Like Colin and Ron have said, I consider everyone here my brother or cousin.

I have grown fond of all of you and for what you mean to me, I want to say Thank You!

[Casey]

Clans are quaint and give a sense of history, but I would not want to restrict my view of life through such an archaic portal.

Casey

[bikercelt1]

I enjoy the concept of the clan but I think clans, like nationalism, can sometimes be carried to far. I feel like we are a clan here at Xmarks. In fact I feel more kinship with all of you than I do with most of my extended family.

As far as clan and wearing tartan, I subscribe to the "wear what you like" school of thought but I do think a person should be able to identify the tartan they are wearing. I'm surprised to find that isn't always the case.

I wear "Anderson" because that is my last name and I grew up with small bits of Anderson tartan around the house (ties, plaques, blankets) but my name comes from Sweden not Scotland. I also like the fact that the blue of the Anderson is somewhat unusual. I'm also give to understand that since St. Andrew is the patron St. of Scotland it is a tartan that is open to any Scot. Anderson is not a clan in the traditional sense of the word but more a loose confederation of familys with a common name. On the other hand, I also wear "Gordon" because my Great-Grandmother was of clan Gordon. If it strikes my fancy though, I'm as likely as not to pick up any other tartan that strikes my fancy as long as it doesn't have any negative connotation or ties to a royal personage.

Jamie