Significance of Clan, District, or Universal Tartans

A majority considers tartan to be a part of Scotland only. It was true to a particular time but tartan has transcended the boundaries of clans to the universe in the shape of universal patterns. However, this does not diminish the significance of tartans as a clan’s identity today. Its versatility in adaptation announces it as the first choice in different countries.

Tartan patterns are often seen in men’s kilts at events ranging from formal occasions to cultural celebrations. Similarly, regional tartans worn in many parts of Scotland have unique importance. This article intends to briefly explain the significance of clan, district, and universal tartans to you. Let us start with a short introduction to tartan!

What is a Tartan

A tartan is a patterned cloth, specifically a type of plaid, characterized by a repeating pattern of horizontal and vertical stripes in multiple colors. Patterns are often associated with Scottish culture and heritage. Tartan usually have symmetrical patterns. It has historical connection with Scottish clans or Irish regions. A 2/2 twill weave technique makes tartan. Every color a tartan has talks about any traits of wearers like:

• Green sometimes represents prairies or forests.
• Blue can represent lakes and rivers.
• Yellow might stand for various crops.

Significance of Clan Tartans

Let us start our primary discussion today by comprehending the significance of clan tartans. There are many parts defining clan tartans to be quite popular even in today’s era. Let us have their deep overview:

Historical Preservation

Clan tartans are undoubtedly important for preserving history. We have 2 points to prove their value: visually and the meanings hidden in the tartans. These patterns often disclose the clan’s natural surroundings in the past and tell stories of history and values. Although tartan is an ancient fabric, it became firmly associated with Scottish clans in the 16th century. During this time, each clan developed its own unique ‘sett’ or tartan pattern.

Tartan Registers

The ideology of clan tartan became stronger with time and today it is even more important than in the past. Most Scottish clans know about their tartans today but a few still struggle to find their ancestors. To help them, Scots have developed many platforms like “The Scottish Register of Tartan.” Therefore, it exposes the fascination of people towards their traditional tartan!

Changes Over Time

You might know Irish tartans to be the region-specified only. The situations are the same today but the past was something else. In the beginning, Scottish tartans were also specified to the regions with different areas within a clan’s territory having their own unique patterns. As the clans started to evolve and grow, tartan became their identity!

District Tartans as Regional Pride

Regional tartans are still worn and are increasingly popular in Scotland. While many tartans are associated with specific clans or families, there’s also a growing trend of “District Tartans” designed to represent broader regional or national identities. These are particularly popular with those not directly connected to a specific clan or family.

Influence of Geography on Patterns: Before becoming identical to clans or Scottish tribes, tartans were Geography-based. A clan then used to live on the same land and members were connected to each other, reporting the same chief. Likewise, the color of their patterns is used to talk about their surroundings or traits.

Celtic Heritage and Regional Variation: Rartan is strongly associated with the Celts, specifically the Scottish Highland clans. As a result, the use of patterned cloth, including what we now recognize as tartan, predates the Celts by centuries.

Universal Tartans: A Tartan for Everyone

Let’s discuss the most common type of tartan, universal tartan. We used the word common because of its availability. According to resources, there are approximately 1000 Scottish clans, while the number of tartans available today is almost 7000. The difference in number clears everything. Universal tartans are the ones that do not have a connection with clans.

Universal tartans are accessible to anyone. They symbolize inclusivity and the broader spirit of Scottish heritage. They represent a connection to Scotland and its traditions, whether through shared interests, cultural events, or simply a love for the pattern. Universal tartans can also commemorate events, charities, or individuals, or be inspired by Scottish landscapes. Therefore universal tartans are made specifically for those who do not have family tartans.

Common Myths About Tartans

Do you know there are some myths and misconceptions among people because of some inaccurate information? Similarly, it can be the result of non-developed thoughts or old beliefs. So, we find it essential to discuss some myths here. So misconception may not bother anyone!

A Clan has a Single Tartan.

The majority imagines that every clan has a single tartan which is not right at all. Many clans like Clan Campbell have more than 10 branches and each branch has its own pattern.

Tartan is not Everyday Wear.

Even though tartan kilts primarily have recognitions for formal occasion attire, many people wear tartans as daily attire to disclose their identity and appraise tradition.

All Tartans Have Specific Meaning

This statement is true for the clan tartans only because they talk about the nature of clans. However, universal tartans do not have a proper meaning.

Tartan is for Men Only

This claim was right until the 19th century, but now modernism has changed everything. Tartan is for everyone today, whether you look for men’s kilts or women’s tartan kilts.

Only Wool Makes Tartan

It is also a misconception that only wool makes tartans. Undoubtedly, wool is the primary and historical material to make tartan but other materials like polyviscose, silk, and cotton are also options today!

The Role of Tartan Today

The next thing that reveals the importance of clan, district, or universal tartans is its use or role in today’s world. From personal identity to Scottish music concerts, tartan is visible everywhere. Let’s dive a bit deep into this point to dig out the reality!

• Tartan in the past represented clans or regions of the Highland only. However, the story is different today since the tartan represents many countries like Scotland and Ireland.
• The use of tartan pants & kilts in every formal, semi-formal, or casual occasion also declares their importance today.
• Tartan transcends the boundaries of the area of origin today. Every country has its tartan which is common in different apparel.
• Those who love Highland musical concerts must have seen people wearing tartan kilts in musicals. Not only the audience but individuals performing also wear tartan products.

How to Choose the Right Tartan

Now you know that every tartan has a specific role and their importance is equally high in every type of circumstance. You should also know some tips for choosing the right tartan. The following list will help you find the ideal one.

• Choose tartan according to the occasion. If wearing at formal events choose ancestral tartan while universal tartan might be a considerable option for casual events.
• Ensuring a personal connection with attire is a way to admire the culture. Research for your family tartan, if you do not have one, seek assistance from online tools.
• If buying tartan to give someone, keep his family as a priority. When the other person is non-Scot, keep his color choice the primary thing.
• Let us exemplify tartan selection. When buying the best tartan for your wedding or ceremonial events, do not opt for universal or regional but clan tartan. Wearing other tartans in casual events is not a problem but above-mentioned are formal events where identity means a lot.

The Globalization of Tartan

The global use of tartan also reveals how important it is today. Not a single domain of fashion statement is complete without tartan products whether we talk about tartan kilts, skirts, or trousers.

Tartan’s Influence on Other Cultures: Other cultures were influenced by tartans 3 centuries ago during Highland clearances and it continues to the day. Today, tartan impacts the apparel culture of Africa, East and South Asia, and Eastern Europe culture.

Tartan in Film and Media: Many other countries than Scotland, wear tartan in film and media as part of fashion. While many countries make films on Scottish history, they use tartan to represent identity and stay close to origin.

Tartan and Sports Team: When we talk about tartan in sports, we see hundreds of Scots wearing tartan participating or watching games. Similarly, they wear tartan as their uniform in the local rugby and football teams.

Find Your Perfect Tartan Twist at The Utility Kilt!

Now when the significance of clan, district, or universal tartans is clear, you must have decided which one of them to buy for you next. No matter what variation you are looking for, The Utility Kilt Company has everything for you. So, do not wait further, explore our online store, and choose the one at a pretty fair price along with excellent quality!