traditional and modern conflicts

[highlander_Daz]

it used to be a tradition here the dunk women into a pond, and if she died that was proof she wasnt a witch.

Traditions are OK up to a point, bear in mind the things we do today are the "traditions " of tomorrow. sometimes Traditions hold us back if you look at people who break traditions (Hendrix on the guitar, Bruce Lee with martial arts, Gordon Duncan on the bagpipes etc) are often frowned on at the time but actually creat new traditions. you have to move with the times.

[James MacMillan]

it used to be a tradition here the dunk women into a pond, and if she died that was proof she wasnt a witch.

Traditions are OK up to a point, bear in mind the things we do today are the "traditions " of tomorrow. sometimes Traditions hold us back if you look at people who break traditions (Hendrix on the guitar, Bruce Lee with martial arts, Gordon Duncan on the bagpipes etc) are often frowned on at the time but actually creat new traditions. you have to move with the times.

Wow am I in agreement with that. I have mentioned the following in private to a few fellow kilt wearers, but not much here.

It seems strange to me, as one who wears the kilt everyday, that more input is not sought from those who actually wear the kilt. I wear the kilt, I know what works. I don’t just strap it on to go to a festival, I wear it everyday! I like the sporran, and I like hose, but other than in jest, I would never think to suggest that another person should only dress the way I choose to. Why should the "traditional" kilt be only made one way? Once it's on, who knows what is inside?

When the traditional kilt was originally designed, things like man-made fabric and Velcro were not around. The only practical fabric of the time was wool; the only way to fasten the kilt was with pins or belts.

We thankfully now have many alternatives.

I live in Southern California and it gets hot here. A full tank made out of wool just isn’t practical for year round daily wear. Sure, a nice tank is great for going out to a special event in the evening, but would I want to strap it on when the mercury is pushing out of the top of the thermometer, and I just want to mow the lawn, or run to the grocery store?

I think that some kilt makers would benefit greatly by listening to the person who they are making the kilt for! Since they are going to be wearing the kilt, their wishes should have some value. If some kilt makers don’t start to be a little flexible, they may well end up only making kilts for the actors on the history channel.

Getting off the soapbox now……..

[macwilkin]

It seems strange to me, as one who wears the kilt everyday, that more input is not sought from those who actually wear the kilt. I wear the kilt, I know what works. I don’t just strap it on to go to a festival, I wear it everyday!

James,

Respectfully -- I don't wear the kilt everyday. I wear it for Scottish functions, educational programs, etc. There's nothing wrong with only wearing the kilt for festivals and other functions if that's what you want to do.

Not being a FT kilt-wearer doesn't make you any less of a kilt-wearer INMHO.

Regards,

Todd

[davedove]

James,

Respectfully -- I don't wear the kilt everyday. I wear it for Scottish functions, educational programs, etc. There's nothing wrong with only wearing the kilt for festivals and other functions if that's what you want to do.

Not being a FT kilt-wearer doesn't make you any less of a kilt-wearer INMHO.

Regards,

Todd

I agree with that completely Todd. To me, those who feel one must wear the kilt all the time to be a "real" kilt wearer are just as bad as those who say you should only wear the kilt for special occasions.

People should feel free to wear the kilt as often or as little as they want.

[Galician]

I agree with that completely Todd. To me, those who feel one must wear the kilt all the time to be a "real" kilt wearer are just as bad as those who say you should only wear the kilt for special occasions. People should feel free to wear the kilt as often or as little as they want.

On the other hand, a man who wears a kilt daily will have a lot more of the practical experience of how it works than a guy who does not!

[macwilkin]

On the other hand, a man who wears a kilt daily will have a lot more of the practical experience of how it works than a guy who does not!

I'm sorry, but I disagree. Someone's knowledge of the kilt should be instantly discounted because he doesn't wear it everyday?

Regards,

Todd

[Galician]

I'm sorry, but I disagree. Someone's knowledge of the kilt should be instantly discounted because he doesn't wear it everyday? Regards, Todd

That is an overreaction. As with other areas of expertise, don't people normally rate the advice on the experience of the one giving it?

[James MacMillan]

Hey I don't think I said that! I'm not cutting down anyone who only wears a kilt every once in a while. That's the way I used to be! Thankfully, I am now in a position to be able to wear the kilt everyday.

I do think that experience is a great teacher. I also think that I have had some little more experience, by wearing the kilt daily, than do some others.

If you will look at the closets of two of our most respected members, mainly Ron and Hamish, you will find several non-traditional kilts. In Ron’s case he has been very vocal in his appreciation of the USA products. Hamish has gone so far as to make a video for another product. These men own way more kilts than I do, and they have been wearing the kilt longer.

I guess my resentment is still smoldering from hoping to work with a local kilt maker (female) who had never worn a kilt on a daily basis, but just knew that her opinions were better than mine.

If I seemed to be degrading those who only wear the kilt once or twice, please forgive me.

What I was trying to say is that when you wear the kilt everyday, your very wear will form opinions.

Let’s go back to that old pair of jeans. Is every pair of jeans made the same way? Does every pair of jeans still look like the first pair that were worn by coal miners? No! You can go into a store and find jeans of many cuts, fabrics, and styles. You pick the pair that fits your needs. Sometimes some of the highhanded kiltmakers – who themselves don’t wear the kilt – seem to think that they know best.

[McFarkus]

it used to be a tradition here the dunk women into a pond, and if she died that was proof she wasnt a witch.

She also could be dunked if she nagged her husband, who was allowed (even encouraged) to beat her as long as the stick was no thicker than his forefinger.