Tartan

A tartan is a weaving pattern of substances, which is used in modern times often representative of the membership of a Scottish clan. The typical tartan plaid ( " tartan " ) is created in weaving by using different colored threads. Tartans are now used mainly for kilts and other " Scottish " garments, which are usually made ​​of worsted.

Origin

The oldest tartans were found in China ( hats for jade figurines ) and could be dated to about 3500 BC. In Scotland, tartans or tartan -like pattern in use for many centuries, the oldest find is the so-called " Falkirk Sett ", a two-tone patterned piece of fabric that was used as a plug for a clay pot with Roman coins.

Originally tartans and their patterns in Scotland especially from region to region and it was not uncommon to wear mixed several tartans. The unambiguous assignment of specific tartans clans began only in the 16th century. The first official regiment with a uniform tartan in 1739, the Black Watch regiment.

In the year 1746 introduced the so-called Act Dress wearing of tartans for the inhabitants of the Scottish Highlands punishable. This law was a part of the attempts by the British to suppress the Highland culture and had to 1782 inventory. In the 19th century there was a " Tartan Revival", as the Scottish Highland culture in the English and Scottish upper classes became fashionable.

Clan Tartans

The tartan of a Scottish clan is a specific sequence of colors or shades that can be worn only by members of the clan. Although a tartan thus visible expresses the membership of a clan, it is not an offense to wear the tartan of another clan in the Scottish coat of arms right. Generally accepted is the wearing of tartans, when kinship, belonging is considered by adoption or even just by name as the clan.

Registration of official clan tartans began on April 8, 1815, when the Highland Society of London (founded in 1778) all clan chiefs asked the Company to send a piece of their tartans, large enough to reveal the pattern.

Today, the " Scottish Register of Tartans ", performed by an authority of the Scottish Government, responsible for the official registration of old as well as newly designed pattern. For a fee of 70 pounds each can register a pattern.

Other modern tartans

In addition to clan tartans, there are tartans that are reserved for members of the Highland regiments of Britain and the Commonwealth.

Persons in connection with the English royal family to use the Royal Stewart tartan, regardless of whether they belong to the Stewart clan. This tradition goes to James VI. of Scotland back.

The use of tartans however, is not limited to clan affiliation and the military sector. There are also tartans for eg professional groups, clubs, cities, regions and organizations such as Amnesty International.

Another variant of the tartans are the Hauskaros British clothing manufacturer or Haberdasher like Burberry or Barbour.

Also of punks pants, jackets, arm, or neck bands and other garments are often worn with tartan pattern. Also known is the combination of flannel and tartan pattern in the grunge scene, such as worn by Kurt Cobain.

Also, the Tartan pattern in the UK is a popular design Christmassy wrapping paper and ribbons.