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

[Riverkilt]

Well,

My tartans are all my "gang colors" I feel "part of."

And, I like the swish and the freedom.

Ron

[Mithral]

I've always liked the tartan patterns, ever since I was a kid, before I even knew or cared about my scottish roots (Dad's family was German, Mom's was "British")

Once I got envolved in Belegarth and the SCA though, I started to wonder about these things. I found out that Gramma's maiden name was Moore and her family was originally from Scotland. I bought my first Sport Kilt specifically for Belegarth, I needed something I could wear without a belt that was light so I could move in it. It worked rather well, I still wear it around the house and to classes. I recently bought a belted plaid and I've worn it to a few SCA events, and just around the house a few times. I love it, it's so versatile.

I'm a firm believer in the idea that if more men tried kilts even once, more men would wear kilts all the time.

[Robin]

GENTLEMEN - THE TARTAN!

Here's to it!
The fighting sheen of it,
The yellow, the green of it,
The white, the blue of it,
The swing, the hue of it,
The dark, the red of it,
Every thread of it!

The fair have sighed for it,
The brave have died for it,
Foemen sought for it,
Heroes fought for it,
Honour the name of it,
Drink to the fame of it-

The TARTAN!

Murdoch Maclean

I love this poem...says it all.
Found it in "The Clans and Tartans of Scotland" by Robert Bain (1984 edition)

[davedove]

My tartans are all my "gang colors" I feel "part of."

I like that Ron, "gang colors". And it's fitting, since the kilts I have and have ordered are all in tartans with which I have some connection. Now, when are we going to have a gathering so we can terrorize some town with well coordinated outfits and gentlemanly behavior?