Allowed tartans

[majdan]

Matt Newsome sums it up best in his article on The Introduction to Tartan on The Scottish Tartan Museum's Website. I would think that the non-Scottish X Marks members who pick a clan tartan that they like, educate themselves on it. I am more confident wearing a clan tartan of my choosing than a country or district or generic tartan, not to say that I don't like them. It is emulating a country and it's heritage. Just like the purists who wouldn't wear a tartan they are not associated with, I won't wear a tartan that is not associated with a clan.

Now that is a take that I've not seen yet. Very cool. There are really no rules so we all have to make up our own. As Cajan Scot always says, "Different Hourses, different courses"

I think that this is one of the basic questions that we all must answer when we start wearing kilts. We all have to figure this one out before we buy our first kilt when it ask "Pick Tartan"

There are no rules so we each have to make our own. The key here is not to inflect our rules on others.

On the list side here it is:

All four Montgomery tartans (My beloved Mum's gift to me. If it wern't for her I wouldn't be engaging this exercise)
US Army- Serving
State of Oregon- Home state and native land
Oregon State University- Graduate (Yes OSU has a hidious Black and Orange Tartan)
US Forces- Same as US Army
USA- Nationality
Irish National- Pop's side of the family
Scottish Heritage- Mom's side
And all of the regional tartans where Montromery and Morris folk live.
And any universial tartan I just like such as Nightstalker.

[O'Cathain]

I guess what I'm trying to say is that anything other than a clan tartan is not the "real" thing either. Correct we if I'm wrong. So why not revere the tradition of tartans being associated with clans? Why not go all the way and do it "right" according to a 150 year old tradition? I'm not trying to ruffle feathers, I believe that know one can tell you what you can and can't do, but if something is tied close to a culture like the kilt is. It should be respected. So I think there is a line between a kilt and a kilt like garment. And......that brings up another topic. Which always comes up, What's that line? A non-clan associated tartan kilt, a fashion tartan kilt, solid color kilts? No matter what it was before, if it is the accepted tradition of the current times it should be respected.

[macwilkin]

I guess what I'm trying to say is that anything other than a clan tartan is not the "real" thing either. Correct we if I'm wrong. So why not revere the tradition of tartans being associated with clans? Why not go all the way and do it "right" according to a 150 year old tradition? I'm not trying to ruffle feathers, I believe that know one can tell you what you can and can't do, but if something is tied close to a culture like the kilt is. It should be respected. So I think there is a line between a kilt and a kilt like garment. And......that brings up another topic. Which always comes up, What's that line? A non-clan associated tartan kilt, a fashion tartan kilt, solid color kilts? No matter what it was before, if it is the accepted tradition of the current times it should be respected.

Of course, if you read Matt's work on the subject, you'll find that the district tartan concept is much more "legitmate" than the clan tartan:

http://www.district-tartans.com/intro.htm

I'm sorry, but I disagree; I think the district, clan, and regimental tartan all can "work together", for lack of a better term. I don't think wearing a district tartan is disrespecting clan tartans, but on the contrary, provides yet another alternative for the kilt-wearer and is just as legitimate, if not more so, as the clan tartan.

T.

[O'Cathain]

I'm not trying to ruffle feathers, I believe that know one can tell you what you can and can't do, but if something is tied close to a culture like the kilt is.

I correct myself "nobody".

[Don Patrick]

I think the Black Watch Tartan has special meaning to those who servered in the regiment. Since it really doesn't represent a clan, I think that gives creedence to tartans outside of the clans.

If I wore a tartan, I'd probably be inclined to wear the US Army or USCG tartan - though I have to admit I have direct family ties to the Lamont tartan.

[Monkey@Arms]

I think the Black Watch Tartan has special meaning to those who servered in the regiment. Since it really doesn't represent a clan, I think that gives creedence to tartans outside of the clans.

Ah, but there's the rub. The Black Watch tartan is also the tartan of Clan Campbell, and is also the general district tartan for the Sutherland District, and also goes under the name Grant Hunting, and Munro Hunting. Even if the above wasn't the case, if I understand the current state of military affairs in the United Kingdom correctly, there no longer is a Black Watch regiment. How long do these special meanings persist? Until the last former member of the regiment passes on? Forever?

Best regards,

Jake

[Peter C.]

Ah, but there's the rub. The Black Watch tartan is also the tartan of Clan Campbell, and is also the general district tartan for the Sutherland District, and also goes under the name Grant Hunting, and Munro Hunting. Even if the above wasn't the case, if I understand the current state of military affairs in the United Kingdom correctly, there no longer is a Black Watch regiment. How long do these special meanings persist? Until the last former member of the regiment passes on? Forever?

Best regards,

Jake

What was the Black Watch Regiment, is now "The Black Watch, The 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland." So it has not disappeared. The whole of The Royal Regiment of Scotland wear the Black Watch tartan.

Peter

[macwilkin]

Ah, but there's the rub. The Black Watch tartan is also the tartan of Clan Campbell, and is also the general district tartan for the Sutherland District, and also goes under the name Grant Hunting, and Munro Hunting. Even if the above wasn't the case, if I understand the current state of military affairs in the United Kingdom correctly, there no longer is a Black Watch regiment. How long do these special meanings persist? Until the last former member of the regiment passes on? Forever?

Best regards,

Jake

Government Sett 1A is still the official tartan of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, however, and the Black Watch will live on, not only in name of the 3rd Battalion, RRS, but also north of the border, in the Black Watch of Canada.

And, the Watch will always live on in the hearts of the "Jocks" and their families. To paraphrase Tunes of Glory, the idea of the regiment will live on forever.

T.

[davedove]

If I wore a tartan, I'd probably be inclined to wear the US Army or USCG tartan - though I have to admit I have direct family ties to the Lamont tartan.

I'm kind of the same. Although I will wear the MacIan tartan when I dress up (the red background just makes such a statement), I tend to wear the US Army tartan more than others. For one, it's a more subdued color. Plus, as I tell people, it's the only "clan" to which I have ever actually sworn loyalty.

[F16WarBird]

Indeed.

My Father's side of my lineage is, for the most part, a direct link to Germany.

My Mother's, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh. Sept of Clan Campbell.

That being said, I proudly wear the US Air Force tartan as my Clan.
After 10 years (TSgt still serving) I've EARNED the right to wear it.

With the exception of Balmoral and tartans from individual branches of the military, I'll wear what I want and I'll look damn good doing it.

I don't spit on or burn other people's flags and I would never do that to someone else's clan tartan by wearing it inappropriately.