Kilts, Ireland and Wales

[TechBear]

The thread about wearing kilts on St. Patrick's Day reminded me of some "kilt lore" I had learned a while back. It was too late to post there, so here I am. I hope that if my information is incorrect, you will be gentle in educating me of my flaws.

My understanding is that, in the mid 1800's, there was a renewed pride in Scotland's history and national identity. Traditional Scotish symbols and regalia which had long been suppressed under English rule -- the thistle, the pipes and the kilt, among others -- were brought out into the open and worn and played proudly. This was accompanied by a growing call for Scottish home rule, if not independence from the United Kingdom. While the government grumbled, it (for the most part) allowed the movement to exsist insofar as it did not fall into actual treason.

Towards the end of the 19th century, similar nationalist sentiments were being expressed in both Wales and Ireland. Leaders in these movements advocated the adoption of the kilt for various reasons, including a common Celtic heritage with the Scots. It was at this time, as part of these nationalist movements, that the Irish kilt and Welsh cilt first made their appearance, as well as the introduction of Irish tartans. The reintroduction of the Great Pipes into Ireland also occured at this time (the traditional Irish or Uilleann pipes are smaller and are operated by a bellows that sits under the right arm rather than by blowing into a bladder.) A century latter, these movements have left an imprint on the nationalist culture in their home countries, but are most prominently found in immigrant communities such as the United States where they serve to solidify a sense of identity.

In short, after a century of nationalism and national pride, I would say the kilt and pipes are as Irish as they are Scottish, and both are perfectly acceptable with regards to St. Patrick's Day.