EUR
USD
A kilt has been the most worn clothing in Scotland for hundreds of years. Therefore, continuously wearing the same outfit for a long time reveals how important it is for them. Similarly, it also shows how serious Scots are with their tradition. So, what is a kilt? It resembles a women's skirt that covers the body to the knees. This discussion is meant to tell you how men’s kilts function as Scottish pride. So, we will enlighten different topics here, from their historical roots to their significance and events to wear.
Historical Roots Of Kilts
The kilts we wear today were introduced in the 18th century’s first quarter. Yet, a kilt’s history drags our attention back to the 16th century. The Scottish military was the first one to wear kilts. Kilt’s primary purpose was to provide them ease while moving. They had pleats ensuring unrestricted movement. Initially, there were only kilts for men while women did not wear them until the 19th century.
In the beginning, kilts were made with tartan, a fabric with a criss crossed pattern on it. The kilt now has transcended the tartan fabric. During the 18th century and after, different fabrics like denim, drill jeans, and leather started to participate in making kilts.
Cultural Significance Of Kilts
Kilts, from the first day, have been of great importance among the Scots. As discussed earlier, kilts are usually made with tartan existing in various patterns. A majority of tartans or even the pattern speaks for the Scottish clans. Therefore, Scots at every point find it amusing to praise their culture.
Admiring the culture has been their nature from the first day. You must be aware of Highland clearances. It was a tough time for the Scots when they were forcefully removed from their lands. Some Scots lost their lives in those clashes and some died of hunger. When they had no option left, they decided to emigrate.
They left their country but kept their culture with them. They even made others aware of their traditions and welcomed them to participate in their culture. Doing so helped Scots to let the people know about their traditional attire as well. Likewise, every event now comes across the year; they celebrate it wearing their cultural outfit.
Worldwide Popularity
The harsh days of Highland clearances sounded cruel then. But they benefited the Scots to transcend their clothing culture out of boundaries that became Scottish Identity later. This traditional dress was once limited to their own boundaries, and became popular worldwide after this incident.
Today, kilts are being worn worldwide. All the countries that allowed Scots to enter their countries after clearances, now wear kilts. Some major countries are the UK, America, Germany, Spain, Ireland, etc. They put on kilts according to their requirements. Some people dress this part of Scottish attire as part of fashion, while others show unity with Scots.
Kilts in Events
Do you know kilts are an occasional attire worldwide? But their situation in Scotland is a bit different. They have changed the kilt's status from everyday use outfits to daily clothing. But it doesn’t mean they do not wear kilts on special events; they proudly do it. Here are a few events when kilts for men become a necessity there.
Military Events
As aforementioned, kilts were made for the military at first. Many Scottish soldiers were dyed in different conflicts. So, they pay homage to their martyrs by getting dressed in cultural outfits. People from every clan wear their ancestral tartan to appraise their saviours.
Highland Games
Another event where people from Scotland wear kilts are Highland Games. These games have been played for centuries and they love to participate there wearing kilts. They do so for two common reasons. First, kilts are traditional entities, so they prefer taking part in their traditional style in the ancient gaming events. Second, kilts offer flexible movement while running and jumping.
Wedding
Scots follow their traditions even in the wedding ceremonies. Handfasting, tying the knot, quaich, and oathing the stones are a few that are the most common. The cultures may differ depending on the city or the state, but one thing that remains common is tartan kilts. They made their day special by dressing in their ancestral attire. Usually, grooms and groomsmen wear kilts.
Workwear
Today kilts have various types and they feature differently. Among them, the utility kilt is a common one. This kilt fits the workers. Why? Workers need space to keep their essentials and these kilts provide pockets on both sides. Similarly, free movement is a keen requirement of workers. This clothing comes with pleats on the back side to confirm unrestricted motions.
Educational Ceremonies
Completing a degree is a dream moment for every student, no matter which part of the world he lives in. Besides the students, their parents also want to cherish this special moment. In Scotland, students attend educational ceremonies and oaths by partnering with tradition. Scots wear kilts for the ceremonies. Not only students, but their parents do the same as well.
Conclusion
Every nation adopts a unique way of appreciating its culture. The Scots in this case have their own tradition and they put on their cultural attire. The kilt is an essential part of their dress with a deep history of over 400 years. Made of tartan, the kilts are a distinctive way to appreciate the ancestors. Scots wear them on different occasions from military events to educational ceremonies.
