How to Wear a Tartan
Originally tartans varied in different area of Scotland according to the availability of the plants used for dyes. As Martin of Skye wrote in the 1700's, "The plaid worn only by the men ... consists of diverse colours ... Every isle differs from each other...." The plaid, originally a long cloth that was belted in place (and could come undone at inopportune moments) became a more recent invention: the kilt. A tartan was first mentioned in 1538, in records of the James V's Lord Treasurer, when a bale of "Heland tartane" for the creation "hoiss to the Kingis Grace." Many symbols and items of Scottish culture were banned by the English authorities after the Jacobite rebellions, and by the 1800's, the clan system had broken down. The tartan represents Scotland for many people, for other, their family history.
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Instructions
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Wear a tartan that appeals to you if there isn't one associated with your family name.
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Know that the tartan means something, be it the clan whose tartan it is, that associated with a friend or mentor, and wear it with pride and honor. Be aware of the tartan's history.
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Avoid wearing tartans that are copyrighted, or owned by the Royal Family.
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Try the Royal Stewart tartan or the Black Watch Tartan. The first has no family affiliation, and the second is considered a "universal military" tartan.
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Resources
- The Capitol Scot has a good article on wearing tartans.
- X Marks the Scot has a good thread on wearing the tartan.
- The Scottish Tartans Museum has information on wearing tartans.
- Gaelic Dreams has an article discussing the history of the tartan.
- Visit Scotland has an informative article on the history of the tartan.
