TRADITION: let's (re)define it.

[DWFII]

When I attire myself, I follow the exact same line of thinking as I quoted from David's post. I inform myself by the Highland tradition, but I don't feel bound by it in any constrictive sense. This means that any time you see me depart from that tradition, it is always done as an informed choice and for a specific reason.

This is quite different from the kilt wearer who departs from tradition out of ignorance (or perhaps some sense of rebellion).

But this either misses the whole point or it confirms mine. The sub-forum is just that--a discussion forum about Traditional and Classic Highland Apparel and Style. If "Traditional" were dropped and the forum were about "Classic" Highland Dress it would be a horse of a different colour.

This sub-forum is a touchstone. When we depart from Traditional we can no longer call it strictly Traditional. We've departed from Traditional.

We all do this. I wear flat caps and Ike jackets and I don't give a damn. But I'm not gonna tell you it's Traditional to do so. Or even Classic. Or even Highland. Or, if pressed, that my Scottish brethren wouldn't be sniggering behind my back.

Once you water down this sub-forum to the point that it's all indeterminate and warm and fuzzy, "Traditional" just becomes a...wink, wink, nudge nudge...sop to Auld Crabbits and rough old cobs like myself. And then you're back right where we started at--with all kinds of departures and interpretations ...and white hose. And probably rightfully so.

The sub-forum is a touchstone...it's not written in stone. Fashions do come and go. Individuals interpret...sometime brilliantly, sometimes not so much. But none of that is "Traditional."