Kilt suitable for a funeral. ....

[Sir Didymous]

My sincerest sympathy and prayers for you and yours. I have a sense of style that doesn't always fit within social norms (no violation of forum rules), I just have a historically inspired wardrobe. In times where modern attire is needed, my kilts are my preferred choice. But I think that the general consensus here is correct. How the kilt was received by your father and near family should be your guide. After all, the services are for the family and close friends, and those relationships should be reflected.

[EagleJCS]

Having spent many days in funeral homes over the years (after having several family members pass), I suggest you wear what's comfortable to the visitation - especially footwear, since you're likely going to be standing a lot.

For the funeral itself, I'd dress up a bit more.

Condolences and prayers.

[DyerStraits]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours, Johnnie. I think all of the guidance provided is spot on, and I've seen photos posted of X-Markers who've worn Highland attire, and also piped, at the funeral of a relative. My own maxim with regard to donning the kilt--Wear It Proudly, Wear It Properly, Wear It Like You Mean It-also applies in this case. As others have indicated, you do have to intuitively "pick your spots" when kilting up, but every time I've debated wearing a kilt and decided not to I've regretted it, and so far I've never, ever, regretted the times that I have, which have been many. For somber occasions I have my Black Stewart and Black Watch kilts, which make the statement without overstatement.

[Macman]

I am very sorry to hear about your father. I can sympathize with what you're going through; my dad went through hospice before he died five years ago.
I believe that a kilt is a suitable garment for a funeral service (I don't necessarily mean in general, but in your circumstances it sounds like it would be appropriate), and given what you've said already, my opinion would be to wear your Strathearn because your dad likes it so much.

[Bareknees1]

JohnnieB
As all have said before, thoughts and prayers with you. I think you said it best-your dad knew you were a kilt wearer, had a fave. Wearing it in his honor and memory is a unique way to express your feelings at this time. You're not putting it on to draw attention to yourself, but to your relationship to your father. Good man, good son.

[Tarheel]

Johnnie, I can not add any more than has already been said by the X Mark group. My thoughts are with you. The support is here as well as at home.

[Brian McAdams]

This thread really hits home for me. I just returned home after spending the last month with my Dad, who lost his battle with cancer last week. My thoughts and prayers are with you. If there's anything I can do, please let me know.

I wore my kilt to the wake and funeral. Blue was his favorite color. The tie was his, the kilt pin was his mother's.

My words from the service:

I know what you're thinking....yes, I am wearing a kilt. You see, my Dad taught me to be proud of where you come from. Well, I am very proud of where I come from.

My Dad taught me a lot of things. He taught me about ethics. "Son, just because you can do something doesn't mean you should'.

My Dad taught me about acceptance. "Enjoy the people in your life while you can, but enjoy them for what they are, not what you wish them to be".

My Dad taught me about toughness, tempered with compassion. Hard work tempered with play. He also taught me that sometimes, when you're 7 years old, it's far more important to go hunting instead of to school.

My Dad wasn't perfect. Because of that, he was able to teach me the lessons in failure, and that there is no shame in it, as long as you did the best you can. "Not everything in life is going to be easy son, you just do the best you can with what you got".

But, the most important thing he taught me was that every morning when you look at yourself in the mirror, always...always be able to look yourself in the eye.

I've followed his words the best I could, in my own way....because like my Father, and his Father before him, I might be a little stubborn.

The last time I was home a month ago, I wore my kilt for him, which he absolutely loved. He said, "Son, you have always been your own man, and for that I am very proud of you".

Well, if there's anything to be proud of, it's because my Dad taught me what kind of man to be.

So, yes, I am very proud of where I come from. I am very proud to be my Father's son.


In my case, the kilt was more than appropriate.
Peace be with you.

[Dughlas mor]

Johnnie, sounds to me like you should be wearing a kilt. God bless your father, yourself, and your family.

[Jock Scot]

I am so sorry to read of your father's difficult times, words are inadequate, really. Many, many years ago I was given some wise words of advice from a kilt wearing vicar, that have helped me no end over the years on deciding whether to wear the kilt to a funeral. Perhaps it might help you?

"If you have to think about it, even for a second, then don't do it."

[GMan]

I too am sorry to hear this news.

When my Mother passed while at the viewing many asked me why I wasn't Kilted. So when the funeral came and after much thought, I did wear a Kilt because when I reflected on it, she was really proud of me while I was Kilted.

I think that it all depends on the relationship that you two had.