Celtic Costume or Soldier’s Skirt?

Blogger Evan Spry has explored his culture in several articles. With his newest post, he dives into a traditional Scottish aesthetic, focusing on perhaps the most famous symbol of the culture: the kilt.

By Evan Spry

Since the end of the 16th century, Scots have been embracing and promoting their traditional culture to everyone by brandishing their skirt-like kilts. Very few cultural traditions have been able to infiltrate popular culture like that of the kilt. The Scottish kilt is such a popular symbol of Scottish culture that I guarantee the first thing an average person thinks when they think of Scotland is the famous kilt. But why are these kilts so popular? Well, for one, they’re comfortable because of their ergonomic and breathable design. The other reason is that the second a man puts on a kilt he transforms into a handsome, Gaelic warrior.

This popular traditional aesthetic has not changed very much since its debut in the 16th century. In the beginning, kilts were worn as full-length garments by the Gaelic men of the Northern Scottish Highlands. Apparently, “The word ‘kilt’ is a derivation of the ancient Norse word, kjilt, which means pleated, and refers to clothing that is tucked up and around the body” (authenticireland.com). The men’s kilts back then were also a little more risque than the modern version is now, as they usually cut off way before the knee. Nowadays, the majority of kilts you’ll see worn will go below the knee. These kilts were made “using self-colored garments, which were white or dull brown, green or black as opposed to the multicolored plaids or tartan designs recognized today” (authenticireland.com). As more efficient kilt-making techniques were introduced around the 1800s, a new tartan pattern was developed. The tartan cloth was dyed and designed in criss-crossed lines.

History of the Kilt

Unfortunately, the power of the kilt grew too strong for the British monarchy. The kilt-wearing Scots launched a rebellion in the Highlands. So the British Parliament imposed the Dress Act of 1746. This act, steered by King George II, made it illegal to wear the beloved Scottish kilt. By the time the Dress Act was repealed in 1782, it was already too late for many kilt-wearing Scots. As decades of harsh enforcement didn’t allow the traditional kilt, many got used to not wearing them at all. However, this was not the end of the kilt. Since King George banned them almost completely on the basis that they represented Scottish culture and allegiance, they became iconic symbols of national pride for the Scots. Soon, this love for kilts gave way to the creation of specific tartan patterns for specific Scottish clans. The image above is the design for my family’s tartan kilt, which represents the Johnston/Johnstone clan. And, since I’m at least one quarter Scottish, I have enough Gaelic blood to wear our family kilt. Although I do not own any Johnston clan kilts, I would love to in the future.

In conclusion, the traditional Scottish aesthetic of kilt-wearing will live on indefinitely as a symbol of national pride. I found it super interesting finding out about the traditional “aesthetic” that my ancestors showed off. I encourage you to find out what your ancestors wore as their “aesthetic” because I’m willing to bet it’s probably pretty weird.  

Source

https://www.authenticireland.com/scottish+kilts/

Aesthetic Editor: Elizabeth Shay