What tartan to wear

[captainron]

I am new to this forum and need a bit of help.

My Father's family (Murphy) came from Ireland four generations ago.

While my Mothers family (Boyd)came from Scotland three generations ago.

I have located both tartans (Irish-Murphy & Scotish-Boyd) but do not know which I should wear.

Any help would be great. I am open to ideas.

Thank you from rainy Washington state.

Sincerely,

Ron

[KenB]

I think either tartan would be quite alright. It really boils down to which one you prefer.

[Schiehallion]

Yes either would be good but go for the one your really like ... remember to look at all variations such as Modern and Ancient colours, also Hunting , muted and weathered ... So much choice!

[Spartan Tartan]

You could always get both and then have options hanging in your closet.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

There is no reason you should feel compelled to choose just one. Many of us have multiple kilts in tartans honoring different lines of our heritage. Or even if you plan on only one kilt, you can still wear the other tartan in a tie, scarf, cap, etc (just not with the kilt!).

Assuming you want to select one of these tartans for your kilt, the choice is really up to you. But here are some guidelines people use.

1. What surname do you bear? You say your father's line is Murphy. If that is your name, it is very straightforward for Mr. Murphy to wear the Murphy tartan.

2. Which is your closest genealogical connection? If your Boyd connection is closer than the Murphy, you might want to favor that one.

3. The kilt is a Scottish garment. If your Boyds are Scottish and your Murphys are Irish, that is another reason to favor the Boyd tartan.

4. What side of the family do you feel closest to?

5. What tartan do you like best?

These are all different factors to consider, but in the end it is very much a personal choice.

[Chas]

Hello Ron,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the world in an overcast Norfolk, England.

The question is - Why are you limiting yourself to only two tartans?

Regards

Chas

[Dr Mac]

from Bryan/College Station!

[auld argonian]

While several of the answers to you inquiry are suggesting that you might want to indulge by getting a couple of kilts, I'd just be curious how often you plan to wear the kilt and whether you feel that you just want one or if you're thinking about acquiring more than that.

Not to be a killjoy, but you'll see more than a few members who have more than a few kilts. One of our esteemed members has in excess of one hundred and many have dozens at home in their closets. If you're going to be a hard-core, everyday, exclusive kilt wearer, that might be the ticket but if you're only going to wear it occasionally, you may very well want to get one and stop at one.

Heresy?

You'll probably want to get the full compliment of accessories and You'd do well to seek out quality accessories from the get-go...a nice day sporran, perhaps a nice dress sporran, jacket, belt, hose...after a while, it gets pretty intensive. Should you eventually decide on getting another kilt in the other tartan, the accessories transfer over so you'd have that goin' for ya..which is nice.

That having been said, nothing wrong with picking one and calling it a day at that...a quality kilt is a very nice thing to have and it's an investment. As I said, if you're only going to wear it every day from now on, you might need a couple of spares but for once in a while, one should do you well. Many of the Native Scots who participate here have noted that they usually have only one and seem bemused that so many of the diaspora feel the need to have closets full.

Tara Murphy is nice. Boyd is nice but pretty "lively"...you might consider the earlier advice to look at the Hunting, Muted, Ancient and Weathered versions of that one.

Best

AA

[CelticSire]

When you say wear, do you mean as a kilt? Not wanting to assume, just clarifying. If so, I agree with the advice given by auld argonian and M.A.C. Newsome: choose the tartan you feel most closely associated with (for whatever reason), and purchase quality accessories. A quality kilt will last for many years if properly taken care of, and your sporran, hose, flashes, etc. should be of similar quality as they too will last quite some time. Quality doesn't necessarily equate to expensive, either. There are many places to by good quality accessories without having to spend the rent money.

[Chirs]

Great to have your company.

How would your question sound if we removed the word should? I think you'll find that the general consensus of opinion is to wear what you wish, with the understanding that it is always done with respect. Regardless of how you might feel about what you're wearing, others are going to see it and have thoughts of their own. So long as you have an answer better than "'cause I like the colours" when people ask why you're wearing it, you'll be fine. Don't worry.