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Highland games have been played traditionally every year in Scotland and the diaspora of Scots worldwide. Scots participate in these games passionately, wearing their traditional attire to honor Scottish heritage. People who want to participate in these events usually ask about Highland games dressing. This discussion is meant to answer their query. Here, we will discuss dressing for two different people, players and the spectators. Further, we will talk about some factors that help them to decide their attire. So, without consuming time, let us start with the introduction of Highland games and a bit of their history.
Highland Games
Highland games are a series of different competitions and games taking place in Scotland and other countries where Scots reside. These games are cultural ones and people proudly participate in them. The number of games varies according to the area. Normally, over 100 games are played in Highland games events in summer and spring. Some common games in Highland are:
- Tug of War
- Caber The Toss
- Hammer Throw
- Stone Put
- Hill Race
According to historians, Highland games were initiated 2000 BC years back. Yet, the first historical reference discovered takes us to the era of King Malcom III, according to Wikipedia. Primarily, these games were held between clans. Strongest people from any tribe used to contribute there. The actual number of games then is unknown but their primary was to show power.
Highland Games Dressing
Now, these games are held because of being traditional entities and Scots love to celebrate their heritage in traditional style. That’s why they prefer wearing Highland games dressing. This attire does not comprise one or two parts but multiple. Have a look at them now!
Highland Game Attire for Players
No way is better than wearing Scottish dress to represent Scottish culture. So, one of the best ways is to wear traditional attire. As mentioned earlier that Highland sports were held between clans and tartan kilts now serve as a way to reveal the identity of wearers as well.
Kilts
The tartan used to make kilts were worn by their ascendants once. Today Scots wear those tartan patterns to pay them homage. Similarly, another reason is the flexible movement that kilts for men provide, thanks to the flexible pleats on the rear side. Most, importantly, tartan kilts are usually made with lightweight fabric ensuring the comfort as well.
Shirts
Next important components of the Highland games dressing are shirts serving as a traditional part. Multiple shirt types are worn by players like modern t-shirts to traditional ones depending on the game type.
Sporrans
Those connected to Highland games must have seen the players and audience with a small bag attached with chains on the front. These bags are sporrans and they are helpful in multiple ways from cultural elements to practicality and decorative parts.
Ghillie Brogues
The next important part of gaming dress in Highland is ghillie brogues. These are traditional shoes of Scots laced up with ankle and a little above. Shoes are made with pure leather ensuring their durability and a longer lifespan. They have some holes “brogueing” on the front for breathability making them unique to others.
Kilt Hats
Ignoring the kilt hats in the Highland dressing might be very unfair while discussing the accessories. Scottish hats also known as Tam o’ Shanter is a traditional part of the outfit and Scots have always worn them in different occasions including these events. Usually, Glengarry hats or tartan caps represent their history.
Belt with Buckles
Another element adding the flair of tradition to the highlander gaming dress is a belt with buckle. First of all, they are a basic necessity because running and jumping in kilts without a belt might be a challenging task. Secondly, buckles on the belts are traditional and help to set a culture.
Dress For Spectators
Undoubtedly, the spectators or the viewers of Highland games are equally important part of the events. Similar to the players, their dressing also aims to represent their heritage. They also share most of the parts of their attire but only a few things might be lesser or additional.
Kilts
A kilt is the first and the most common part of games attire that both player and audience proudly wear. Doing so is a fine way to experience the true meaning of a cultural event, even as a spectator.
Jackets
If we talk about the jackets, they are common in Scottish gaming events. They are a cultural part of attire and protect the wearer against weather as well. There are waterproof jackets that are useful in rainy situations. Some common jackets worn today are Prince Charlie Jackets, Argyle Jackets, and Tweed jackets.
Kilt Caps
The audience in Highland games also wear the kilt hats. The events take place from May to September. Although the weather there remains mild, the sunlight is bothersome if there are no clouds. Likewise, wearing the cultural hats add the flair of culture.
Footwear
When it comes to the shoes, the spectators have multiple choices. Though they are not participating in the games, they can wear anything from traditional ghillie brogues to simple walking shoes.
Sash or Fly Plaids
Sash or fly plaids are another cultural part of the spectators. This part is not favorable in most games but the audience attaches them to complete their outfit. Usually, fly plaids are attached with brooches that are traditional as well.
Factors Affecting The Dressing Level
The above discussion has cleared a point that the components of attire varies a bit among the participants and spectators. There are some reasons behind it, likewise, some factors help the wearers decide what they should wear. Two common factors are weather and the type of game one participates in.
Weather
Weather is the primary element that helps people to choose their attire. Let’s explain with a simple example. Wearing simple ghillie brogues is never a good idea to wear when the rain precipitation is high. One must consider a waterproof jacket or keeping an umbrella with him. In a close manner, wearing a polo shirt in the mountainous area might not be suitable.
The Game Type
Being a spectator, one must be careful and should consider adding all the attachments to complete his attire. He must adopt the safety measures as well keeping the weather variations in mind. The participants have to be more conscious.
Now, why should the participants pay attention or how game type impacts the clothing variations? Can an individual afford participating in running games while wearing simple shoes? Likewise, dressing a sporran or fly plaid during the hammer throw might not be a suitable decision.
Conclusion
Highland games stand on the list of most ancient entities in Scotland. Their history is almost 20 decades back and their popularity increased with time. People love to go there in their cultural attire no problem whether they are viewers or the participants. However, the components of the suits change, like spectators wear sporran and jackets while they might not be a suitable component in multiple games. At the same time, there are some factors or elements that let the people decide their Highland gaming dressing like weather and the type of game whether a person is going to participate.
