Where are the pipers...?

[pdcorlis]

All right, lads, stop yer complaining and then go and get a practice chanter.

Ok, I know I'm going to hate myself but... tell me more.

[Jimmy the Celt]

Why do people think that a kilt is worn for special events only.

I think it comes back to a lack of culture/cultural understanding. The average bloke (especially in the U.S.) has had very little exposure to kilts and kilt wearing; they've maybe seen them on television/movies and at weddings--maybe. And so there is the misconception that a kilt is "national costume" or for special occcasions because they know of the kilt in only a historical and/or formal setting and are not used to thinking of the kilt as clothing.

Will that change? Perhaps; but whether it does or no, the kilt is the best thing in clothing

James

[Wompet]

All right, lads, stop yer complaining and then go and get a practice chanter.

I've heard Freelander Sporrans were big, but you can fit a practice chanter in yours - wow!

I'm still learning on the chanter, so when I get the pipes question, my answer is "I wouldn't call what I do 'playing'."

[auld argonian]

Is that a practice chanter in your sporran...or are you just happy to see me?

Best

AA

[pbpersson]

I met a shop lady yesterday who she has about three customers who wear kilts; me in semi-traditional and two others who wear UKs. O'Neille

Umm.....well....I have to ask on this one. You are in Sierra Vista, right? You have that many kilt-wearing guys in that little town?

Phil in Phoenix

[macwilkin]

I think it comes back to a lack of culture/cultural understanding. The average bloke (especially in the U.S.) has had very little exposure to kilts and kilt wearing; they've maybe seen them on television/movies and at weddings--maybe. And so there is the misconception that a kilt is "national costume" or for special occcasions because they know of the kilt in only a historical and/or formal setting and are not used to thinking of the kilt as clothing.

Will that change? Perhaps; but whether it does or no, the kilt is the best thing in clothing

James

Respectfully, James -- please remember that the kilt is a form of "national dress" as well as a piece of clothing, especially for those of us who wear the kilt as a symbol of our family heritage. It can be both; for example, whilst black tie is "formal wear", that doesn't stop it from being "clothing".

As far as the piper comments go, I really don't mind them as much as others do around here. It at least shows that the person asking is aware of the long-standing connection between Highland dress and piping, and any recognition of the kilt in a positive way is a good thing.

Also, I have always wished I could play the pipes -- so being asked if I play them is a compliment to me!

Regards,

Todd

[O'Neille]

All right, lads, stop yer complaining and then go and get a practice chanter.

I've got a couple, everytime I practice I seem to get worse. I actually find that I do better with my non-traditional practice pipes. I'm planning on taking a few lessons in the near future, now that I am done with school and have an extra 30 or so hours a week. O'Neille

[O'Neille]

Umm.....well....I have to ask on this one. You are in Sierra Vista, right? You have that many kilt-wearing guys in that little town?

Phil in Phoenix

Nope, I was in Tucson yesterday. I went to the Leather Factory, The renaissance store, and Harbor Freight. It was the sales girl at the Rennaisance store. I was looking at their belts and bought a nice fly plaid broach. O'Neille