All Saints'

[Cirthalion]

Are there any Anglicans or Episcopalians (or Catholics, too, I think) out there who are planning to wear a kilt to an All Saints' service this week?

I'm debating it, myself, and looking for a good rationale. I'm deep enough inside the territory of the ignorant to want a justification at hand when the purpose of my attire is questioned, as it inevitably will be. Sadly, my brethen are likely to scowl at our shared sentiment that any reason is a good reason to wear a kilt...

Cirthalion

[beloitpiper]

Tell them you're going to church (mass, whatever) and you want to look your best. It'll work because it's true!

[Prester John]

All Saints Day in the Orthodox Church is in the Spring - the Sunday after Pentecost, but given the chance, I'd definitely honor the saints with a garment covered in crosses!

[Riverkilt]

Them Episcopals introduced me to my first MUGs, wore a cassok (?) as an alter boy in my youth. Only didn't get the benefit of the freedom, had my itchy wool pants on underneath.

Proudly Pagan today with a lot of gratitude to that little Episcopal church.

Ron

[macwilkin]

I will be wearing my kilt to church this week, but not for the Feast of All Saints or All Souls, but for our annual Kirkin' of the Tartans service on Saturday -- we do have a necrology in the service to remember all who have died, though.

Regards,

Todd
Member, St. John's Episcopal Church, Springfield MO

[Nick]

I'm Roman Catholic, and wear my kilt to church often, and was married in my church in a kilt. I've never recieved a negative reaction from anyone.

[Rev. Christopher]

Any day is a good day to wear a kilt to Church....

Wear it proudly and I'm sure you will receive nothing but praise!

[Dirk Skene]

I will not be wearing a kilt to Mass. My reasoning in this: The focus at Mass is on the Eucharist. In the U.S. a kilt is still seen as unusual. While my attitude normally is "this is me ... take it or stick it!" at Mass the picture is much bigger than me. You as an Anglican or Episcopalian can easily relate.

I am also opposed to girls in short shorts and very short skirts at Mass for the same reason. Even though, sad to say, this does happen.

As I buy more kilts I will be wearing them more & more. But in there will still be a few limited places where etiquette and custom will dictate a suit & tie.

Cirthalion, my kilted brother, you asked for my opinion ... there it is.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Interesting question, and I think related to the other recent thread about wearing a kilt to court. If it is your daily attire, as it is for some of us, it is not a question. If it is not and you have reservations about wearing it in a particular situation, then you should not. That would indicate that you recognize that there are personal reasons why a particular palce and time are not appropriate for you to wear a kilt. Our own Matt Newsome has expressed a similar viewpoint regarding kilts and church on his blog. At the end of the day it comes down to what you are comfortable with.

While this can be a crusade for some, I feel it is better to wear a kilt as another garment in my wardrobe. For any occasion more formal than a backyard BBQ, I will definitely be kilted, I no longer own trousers. For other occasions, I make my choices based on what I am going to be doing. Swimming is definitely in shorts, everything else is based on how I feel.

[Cirthalion]

Thanks for the opinions, all. I've pretty much decided to wear a kilt to All Saints service this Sunday. All Saints is all about connecting with the dead and departed, one's ancestors, and the saints and heroes of the church: many of these, in the Anglican and Episcopalian tradition, were kilted (consider the Samuel Seabury tartan, named after the first American Episcopal bishop). And so I am going for it. I understand and respect the motive of not wanting to draw attention away from the mass, but in this case a kilt is not as much a gesture of self-expression, but a nod of respect to tradition and one's forebearers, those who have gone before. I feel it fits the occasion.

Cirthalion