are you among the people who consider kilts to be an identity of Scottish culture only? Likewise, a majority is uncertain about kilts. They are also unaware which countries wear this attire.
So, they often make a query on different platforms, “Do Irish wear kilts?” Yes, they do. However, there are some differences between Irish and Scottish kilts.
This piece of information aims to tell you all about the Irish kilts. It will describe everything from their history to the events where the Irish wear kilts. So, no further delay and move towards the history of Irish kilts.
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The History Of Irish Kilts!
Kilts, for the first, became a part of dressing in the 16th century in Scotland. Studies claim the connection between Ireland and kilts developed during the 18th century. When we talk about Irish kilts, their history is somewhat confusing. A man found an Irish tartan in an Irish farm buried in 1590. However, there is not much evidence of Irish kilts in that era.
The history of the Irish kilts traces back to the mid 19th century. Some people consider Lein-crioch to be the first traditional kilt, but the reality is that it is not. The Irish people used to wear saffron attire then, long, loose garments. They started wearing kilts in times of Irish or Celtic nationalism in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Irish military wore saffron kilts during the 20th century. In addition, it is a sign of their cultural heritage today.
The impact of kilts in Ireland also spiked with the relocation of Scots to Ireland in the early twentieth century. They brought their tartan to Ireland, raising the demand.
Regarding the tartan in Ireland, we don’t have to move back to the 16th century with Scots. Irish tartan’s history grew in the 1990s when the demand for the Irish tartan grew with time. In 1996, a mill from Scotland made tartans for 32 counties of Ireland.
Types Of Irish Kilts
Like traditional Scottish clothing, Irish kilts have various types: the Great Kilt, the Fly Plaid Kilt, and the Casual Kilt. Each type has different traits that set it apart from the others.
Let us start with the Great Kilt, a long, single-piece cloth. Like the Scottish traditional kilts, they were lengthy, and wearers had an extra cloth to cover the upper part of the body as well. On the other hand, a fly plaid has an extended strip of cloth attached over the left shoulder, covering one side of the back. Acrylic wool is a traditional tartan used to make fly plaid kilts.
What about Irish casual kilts? They are modern kilts that people mostly wear nowadays. They are lightweight compared to the previous ones. This specific kilt does not represent any specific region. Talking about its size, it often covers the waist. A common aspect which differentiates it from the other ones is cost-effectiveness.
We would like to add one more point here that Irish kilts are not worn in daily routine but on specific occasions unlike the Scottish kilts. We will discuss these occasions as well. First, we need to discuss the differences between Scottish and Irish kilts.
Differences Between Scottish And Irish Kilts
The Irish and the Scottish kilts share a few things like cultural heritage and purpose. However, the number of similarities is minimal compared to the differences. It inspired us to specify a particular section about their differences.
Tartan Pattern
The first and foremost difference between the kilts is their tartan pattern. The tartan of the Scots is specified to a specific clan, while the Scottish pattern is based on any county or district identity.
Historical Difference
Next on the list is the historical difference. A common difference is the year of introduction. Scottish kilts were introduced in the 16th century. While Irish kilts are a bit new and were introduced in the 19th or 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Ireland and Scotland share many cultural things, but their cultural significance is almost different. Scots wear kilts all year round. Conversely, Irish people do not usually wear them, but at special events like formal events, weddings, and dance-steps parties.
Accessories Difference & Similarities
Since these kilts are from different countries, they have similar accessories as well. Here are some differences in their attachments:
- Scots use kilt pins over their kilt, representing their clan. On the other hand, the Irish do not possess any ancestral pin.
- Dresses from both countries have sporran, and there is no difference between them.
- Both nations prefer to wear jackets. Scots usually wear Prince Charlie Jackets, while the Irish wear Brian Baru jackets.
- Have you ever heard of Glengarry hats? This is what Scots prefer with kilts. Conversely, the Irish people prefer Kilkenny hats.
- Irish wear leine, resembling shorts beneath their kilts, while Scots wear some underpants or do not wear something under the kilts.
- They share the same tradition of footwear. Scots and Irish wear knee-high socks with specific shoes called Ghillie Brogues.
When Do Irish People Wear Kilts?
This query is also prevalent among people who do not know Irish traditions. There is a common myth that Scots and Irish residents wear kilts on a daily basis. The reality does not accept it.
Nonetheless, the Irish wear cultural attire on special occasions, while Scots have no conditions to wear kilts regularly. Here are a few events where the Irish are seen in kilts.
Weddings
The last few decades have witnessed some exceptional changes in groom’s attire, and kilts have captured the place of tuxedos at weddings. Now, grooms wear kilts with a vest and tie. Wearing kilts on this occasion works as a dual-perspective element: admiring the heritage and having a unique appearance from the guests.
National Days
Irish people commemorate various national days, from New Year’s Eve to Christmas. The list of National Days is vast. Some of the most common days are St. Patrick’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Republic of Ireland Holidays. People usually wear kilts on these days to honour their heritage.
For example, St. Patriks’ Day is one of the most essential days in Ireland, and people wear kilts while celebrating. Likewise, the rest of the national days are also observed wearing Irish kilts.
Games
There are various games that Irish people play, like caber toss, Irish hurling, stone put, Scottish hammer throw, etc. While playing, the participants must stay free, so they wear kilts.
Running with a wooden pole in the hand with a trouser sounds quite challenging. So, the Irish people choose kilts while playing various games.
Conclusion
So, do Irish wear kilts? Yes, Irish wear kilts and have their specific ones. Kilts are equally important in Scotland and Ireland. Both nations wear kilts, sharing some similarities,
like the traditional aspect. Besides, they also have some differences, from accessories to tartan patterns. In addition, Irish kilts have a few types with unique features. Irish wear kilts on specific occasions, while Scots can wear them without any time or date concerns. Do Irish Wear Kilts?
