So, what is it about tartan?

[andyfg]

Sitting musing, thinking about tartan, looking at the amazing design of my Buchanan, Old Sett, weathered, wondering: what is it about tartan? Why do you love it so? Is it the feel? The look? The intricacy of pattern? The smell of the wool? Not sure really.

Goes back to 1976 for me, the year we were married. I wore the traditional suit (big lapels, fish tail tie), Jane the usual white dress. But our "going away" kit was tartan. The Edinburgh Woollen Mills had recently started selling Scottiish stuff all over England. Jane had a skirt and I had a tie in Black Watch. Why? Because we liked the colours.

Then holidays in Scotland . . . Glasgow, Dumfries, north east coast, Edinburgh, Islay (favourite place), touring the Western Isles . . . always looking longingly at the beauty of the tartan. Loving the look of the kilt. Wanted to be Scottish, but knew I wasn't. Nearest was MacGibbon (Buchanan sept) . . .

Then discovered Northumberland tartan, then Fitzgerald, then back to Buchanan . . . by then there seemed to be something of a kilt renaissance, spreading out to those without direct Scottish descent but who wanted to honour the tradition. Took the plunge and loved it.

Now, three kilts later, and one on the way. The same fascination. A growing appreciation.

Re-reading this, far too romantic . . . but oh, well . . . I'll send it anyway.

[Southern Breeze]

What is it about tartan? Simple. FREEDOM!!!

[Josh_E]

What is it about tartan? Simple. FREEDOM!!!

AGREED

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Maybe tartan brings out the male peacock in all of us. In many species in the animal kingdom, the male is the brighter and more colorful of the species. Maybe we just feel that wild longing and the tartan is a way to satisfy the urge.

[Paco500]

Maybe tartan brings out the male peacock in all of us.

As opposed to the female peacock?

[NewKilt]

I think we as men like colors. Tartans are things of beauty - they are like a work of art. When you have a tartan kilt, you have a beautiful, comfortable masculine garment. I have solid color kilts that I like very much as well. But on those days that I feel like wearing something colorful - it's tartan.

Darrell

[ozmeath]

Re-reading this, far too romantic . . . but oh, well . . . I'll send it anyway.

That ending bought a hearty chuckle from me Andy, thanks for sending it anyway.
I have to say I'm not attracted to every tatan. Some are just nasty! well that's to me and no doubt wonderful to others. But P1M said it was the colours. Good point; males have a longer history of "adornment" that women do to my knowledge. Perhaps some of our historians can shed some light on this. We must be a vain lot!
Erin

[Kilted KT]

That ending bought a hearty chuckle from me Andy, thanks for sending it anyway.
I have to say I'm not attracted to every tatan. Some are just nasty! well that's to me and no doubt wonderful to others. But P1M said it was the colours. Good point; males have a longer history of "adornment" that women do to my knowledge. Perhaps some of our historians can shed some light on this. We must be a vain lot!
Erin

something about Peacocks comes to mind..but I can't place it...