10 Surprising things about Scottish Kilts
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Video Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWIVKJn15Bw
https://www.bagtownclans.com • The kilt was not originally a Scottish garment. The kilt is believed to have originated in Ireland, where it was known as the féileadh-mór or great wrap. The garment was a long piece of fabric that was draped over the shoulder and fastened at the waist with a belt. It was the Scottish Highlanders who adopted the garment and developed their own unique style of kilt. • The first Scottish kilts were not made from tartan. The early kilts were made from a single piece of cloth, usually in a solid color, and were known as leine-croich or shirt of pleats. These early kilts were simple and practical, designed for ease of movement and warmth. • The tartan patterns we associate with different clans were not standardized until the 19th century. Before that, each weaver would create their own unique patterns, and there was no set system of clan tartans. The standardization of clan tartans was largely due to the efforts of the Highland Society of London, which sought to preserve and promote Scottish culture. • The kilt was banned in Scotland for a time. After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the wearing of the kilt and other traditional Highland garb was outlawed as part of an effort to suppress Highland culture. The ban was lifted in 1782, but it took some time for the kilt to regain its popularity. • The modern kilt is made up of around 8 yards of fabric. This is because the kilt is made to be pleated and draped, creating a distinctive and iconic silhouette. The pleating of the kilt is a skilled art that requires precision and expertise. • Kilts can be worn in different ways depending on the occasion. A casual kilt might be worn with a shirt and boots, while a more formal kilt might be worn with a jacket, tie, and brogues. Kilts can also be worn with a range of accessories, including a sporran, belt, kilt pin, and sgian-dubh (a small knife). • The sporran, a pouch worn at the front of the kilt, originally served a practical purpose. It was used to carry small items like money, food, and tools. Today, the sporran is mostly worn for decoration, but it is still an important part of the kilt outfit. • Women can also wear kilts. Although kilts are most commonly associated with men, there are also styles of kilts designed for women, including skirts and dresses made from tartan fabric. Women's kilts are often designed to be more fitted and tailored than traditional men's kilts. • The kilt is still worn as part of military dress in Scotland. The Royal Regiment of Scotland and several other regiments in the British Army wear kilts as part of their formal dress. The military kilt is often made from a heavier fabric than traditional civilian kilts, and is typically worn with a regimental jacket and other accessories. • The Scottish kilt has become a symbol of Scottish culture around the world. It is often seen at Scottish festivals, Highland games, and other cultural events, and has been adopted by people of Scottish heritage in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia. The kilt is a powerful symbol of Scottish identity and has come to represent not only the traditions of the past, but also the enduring spirit and resilience of the Scottish people.
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