Irish Tartans Questions

[macwilkin]

Yes, the Ulster tartan is old. It's strange that people often only make mention of the Ulster-Scots people and the Plantation when referring to it. Most of these people were Lowlanders and would not have worn tartan, much less kilts at that time. It should be remembered that there was a Scottish presence in Ulster long before the Plantation of the 17th Century: the gallowglass. Many were established families by the time the Lowlanders arrived with the Plantation.

Remember, though, that the original material of the Ulster tartan was found as trews, not as a kilt.* The material was dated to between 1590-1650, right around the time of the formation of the Plantation. Yes, there were Highland Scots in Ulster -- the galloglass -- but you cannot discount a Lowlander being the original either. We'll never know the owners' geographic origin or political sympathies for sure.

Tartan was used as a symbol of Jacobite sympathies in the Lowlands, and not every Lowlander was a "true blue whig", to paraphrase David Balfour. So again, you cannot say that no Lowlander ever wore tartan.

Also, you neglected to mention that the saffron kilt was adopted by pipers of some of the Irish regiments right before and during the First World War. No doubt that this adoption was based on the uniforms of the Highland Regiments of the British Army.

Regards,

Todd

*And yes, Highlanders did wear trews, especially the gentry, especially for riding.

[slohairt]

Yes, it could have been a Lowlander, that was a bit of a broad generalisation, I'll admit. Also, considering that tartan itself is not exactly peculiar to Scotland, it could have been worn by a native Irishman. You're right, we'll never know.

I meant to say tartan was not typically worn by Lowlanders. As for wearing tartan to support the Jacobite cause, I would think that would much later than 1590, don't you?

Yes, I know the saffron kilt was adopted by Irish regiments around the Great War. I didn't neglect it, I just thought we were discussing civilian clothing. It's something of a debate as to whether it was created by the military, or whether it was adopted from a civilian source. Again we don't know. Nevertheless, it ties in with what I already said about basing Irish dress from Highland Dress.

[macwilkin]

Yes, it could have been a Lowlander, that was a bit of a broad generalisation, I'll admit. Also, considering that tartan itself is not exactly peculiar to Scotland, it could have been worn by a native Irishman. You're right, we'll never know.

I meant to say tartan was not typically worn by Lowlanders. As for wearing tartan to support the Jacobite cause, I would think that would much later than 1590, don't you?

The reference to tartan-wearing Lowland Jacobites did not refer to the Ulster tartan specifically, but rather to the fact that there were Lowlanders who did wear tartan. Sometimes we generalize and assume that all Lowlanders viewed Highlanders as "red-shanked savages" and would never adopt any of their customs, but again, that is a generalization. That was my point, not to claim that there were Jacobites in the late 1500's!

Yes, I know the saffron kilt was adopted by Irish regiments around the Great War. I didn't neglect it, I just thought we were discussing civilian clothing. It's something of a debate as to whether it was created by the military, or whether it was adopted from a civilian source. Again we don't know. Nevertheless, it ties in with what I already said about basing Irish dress from Highland Dress.

Military fashion does have a strong influence on civilian Highland attire, especially in regards to the kilt & tartan. Look how many clans have adopted regimental tartans for example.

Regards,

Todd

[slohairt]

The military certainly does (and did) influence civilian Highland Dress. Though when the British Army adopted it in the 18th Century, it probably gravitated somewhere between civilian and military attire. One of those full circle things, I guess. Military influence can be found much of mens' clothing. If I'm not mistaken, breeches/trews/trousers were designed primarily for riding horses. When military fashion became all the rage, they did as well, and stayed with us. (Much to our misfortune!)