Originally Posted by
Celticman
I am not sure what I think about the wearing of a particular tartan. It seems to me that the tradition of clans having their own tartan, though in historical times, is a rather recent addition to the many other traditions of Scottish culture, should be respected. Myself, being a Leslie, do not wish to wear the tartan of the Cameron's. However, at the same time is it not true that, at some point, I am sure there is some Cameron blood running in my veins? Now, does having Cameron blood in me not entitle me to wear the Cameron tartan? I'm sure it does, but I wear the Leslie tartan to honor my father and his father and on down the line (which, to me, is the real significance of tartan).
One of the first things that struck me as I began to learn of Scottish culture is that our community provides a great system of honor and respect for ourselves and those who came before us. I think the sample conversation Matt had with "Mr. Adams" is a classic illustration of someone who is unsure of where to begin but has been told, by movies like Braveheart, and other "Hollywood" sources, that tartan is the single item that is most used to identify a persons affiliation. Notice, that in Braveheart, all of the Wallace clan wore the Wallace tartan and the MacGregors were immediately identified, in the dark, no less, by their tartan, and all of this story is taking place in the 1300's. Braveheart has been a great catalyst for people to get in touch with their heritage, but along with the increase in new people to the fold comes the challenges of debunking the myths.
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