Kilted Birthday Party

[uncledelphi]

Greetings, everyone. Last night I had a birthday party at my house. About fifteen of my best mates showed up, including my boss from work. Most of them were musical, and we had a jam session including olde tyme, bluegrass, and Irish music. At one point, I handed my banjo to a player who hadn't brought his. I slipped into my room and put on my kilt, sporran, hose, and flashes. I then fired up the bagpipe and marched back to the party playing "Scotland The Brave." Everyone was impressed. I also played "Amazing Grace" which brought a hush over the crowd (I'm not Christian, but most of my mates are). I had all sorts of good comments on the kilt. I think most of the folks there were amazed at my chutzpah in wearing it. It's pretty much the most gutsy thing I've ever done.

After the party, the most conservative of my mates asked me if he could try on my kilt! I gladly let him try it on. It was a little large for him, but he looked great in it anyway. He even put on the sporran. His wife loved it. I don't know if he has the chutzpah to get a kilt of his own; if he ever asks me I'll point him first to XMarks and then to SWK. It is amazing how the kilt can cross social boundaries like that.

[possingk]

Sounds like a great time was had by all, did the people at the party know before hand that you wore kilts at all?

[uncledelphi]

Sounds like a great time was had by all, did the people at the party know before hand that you wore kilts at all?

I think they all knew beforehand that I had a kilt, and a few had seen pictures of me wearing it, but I don't think they expected me to put it on for the party! I am known to be a very conventional, conservative, and dare I say Orthodox person, so the kilt is a great departure for me. It's good to shake up the routine once in a while.

[jfellrath]

Nice work, Austin. It's always fun to get that first look of unbelieving "What in the wide world of sports are you wearing?" stares from the new folks, isn't it?

[MacMullen]

Hey, if you can't wear a kilt at your own birthday party, where can you?

The pipes probably helped to break the ice too, I'd think. People are more comfortable with kilts if bagpipes are involved.

[uncledelphi]

The pipes probably helped to break the ice too, I'd think. People are more comfortable with kilts if bagpipes are involved.

That is most certainly the case. I know folks who would roundly condemn the kilt if I were to wear it outside of the piping (or Celtic music in general) context. Such a pity.

[GMan]

Austin,

Well done! Indeed it is good to hear of the acceptance of the kilt by everyone.