History of Scottish Tartans
The Scottish tartan is a symbol of Scottish culture and heritage, recognized and loved worldwide. It is a distinctive pattern of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. The history of Scottish tartans stretches back centuries, and it has played an essential role in the country's rich tapestry of culture and traditions.
The history of Scottish tartans goes back to the 16th century when the first references to tartan appear in official documents. The more famous Scottish clans began to be identified with specific tartans in the 18th and 19th centuries. Tartans are woven textiles made from wool, and each design represents a specific clan or family, region, or district of Scotland.
The Scottish Highlanders wore tartan as a form of clothing for centuries, taking inspiration from the natural colors and hues of the Scottish landscape. It was practical and only had a very basic design, with few colors and no specific pattern. However, with the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745, wearing tartan came to signify your political leanings.
During this period, the government passed the Act of Proscription, which outlawed the wearing of tartan as it was seen as a symbol of rebellion and a threat to the stability of the British state. The Act stated that 'no man or boy within Scotland, other than such as shall be employed as officers and soldiers in His Majesty's forces, shall, on any pretext whatever, wear or put on the clothes commonly called Highland clothes.' The Act was enforced for almost 40 years. Highland culture was also suppressed during this period, and many ancient customs were prohibited.
Despite the ban, tartan never lost its popularity, especially among the Highlanders who would wear small sections of tartan secretly under their clothes, and the ban was eventually lifted in 1782. It was only in the 1815-1816 period that tartan began to be seen in a more positive light and became a popular choice for Highland dress.
Sir Walter Scott, a prominent Scot, was instrumental in igniting the popularity of tartan with his publication of the epic poem 'The Lady of the Lake.' The poem was set in the Scottish Highlands and prominently featured Highland dress, including tartan. The novel was a great success and increased the demand for tartan both within and outside Scotland.
The popularity of Scottish tartans grew in the early 19th century, and it was during this period that many Scottish clans were identified with specific tartans. Each pattern was unique, and the colors and design represented the clan's traditions, history, and geographical location. Tartans provided a new way of showing off clan identity, and people started wearing them to clan gatherings and other events and occasions.
By the mid-19th century, tartan had become a significant part of Scottish identity. It was often worn by members of the British Royal family, and Queen Victoria was an avid fan of Scottish tartan. She even had several tartans designed and named after her. The increasing popularity of tartan led to the creation of specialized tartan weaving mills, and the industry began producing a variety of tartans, from traditional clan designs to modern, vibrant patterns.
The Scottish diaspora was instrumental in spreading the popularity of Scottish tartans worldwide. Scottish immigrants took tartan fabrics with them as they settled in different parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Tartan was used to distinguish themselves from other ethnic groups, and the Tartan Day celebration, which honors Scottish culture and heritage, is celebrated around the world.
Today, tartan has become an iconic symbol of Scottish culture and heritage, and it's hard to imagine Scotland without it. Tartan fabrics, including kilts and other traditional costumes, are still popular today and worn at a variety of events, from traditional Highland games to weddings and formal occasions.
The Scottish Register of Tartans, established in 2008, is a database of all the registered tartans, and the Scottish Tartan Authority works to promote tartan, protect its authenticity, and educate people about the history and significance of tartan.
The Tartan Trail is a popular trail in Scotland that takes you through some of the most beautiful locations in Scotland and showcases the history and significance of tartan. The trail takes you through the Scottish Borders and the Highlands and offers visitors the chance to explore Scotland's rich tartan heritage.
In conclusion, the history of Scottish tartans stretches back centuries and has played a significant role in Scottish culture and heritage. From its humble beginnings as a practical piece of clothing for the Highlanders to its status as an iconic symbol of Scottish identity, tartan has come a long way. Despite the Act of Proscription and attempts to suppress Scottish culture, tartan has survived and thrived, both in Scotland and around the world. Its popularity and significance continue to grow, and it remains a vital part of Scottish culture and heritage.