Highland Dress
Tartan has become the main symbol of Scotland and Scottish Culture. It is an emblem for those of Scottish descent around the world. With Scottish National identity probably greater than at any time in recent centuries, the potency of Tartan as a symbol cannot be understated.
There is evidence that Celts have used striped and checked material for thousands of years. The Scoti, who settled Western Scotland from 5 - 6th Century onward and eventually gave the whole country their name, are said to have used striped garments to signify rank. One possible derivation of the word Tartan comes from the Irish tarsna - crosswise & Scottish Gaelic tarsuinn - across. The basis of the pattern, dress style and word may date back to the time when the Scots introduced their Gaelic culture into what was to become Scotland. If early Tartan, like the Gaelic language, were used across Scotland in the 10th Century, by the 13th Century it would have been confined to the Highlands. Lowland Scotland began adopting the language of the northern Angles and Norman social structure from the 12th Century.
However, another derivation may be from Old French tartaine - cloth, implying the introduction of checked woollen cloth in the early Middle Ages, which simply became popular in the Highlands.
Scotland's national dress, the kilt was developed from roughly woven cloth, colored with dyes from the local vegetation. The highlanders were dressed in one single cloth, which was wrapped around their body. A belt was strapped around the waist to hold it in place. This "belted plaid" was not only used for clothing, but it also served as a blanket during the night. Early Highlanders in time added distinct color patterns in plaid designs, to signify their individual group, or clan. The Great Kilt represents this early and practical garment. Wool was the preferred cloth, keeping its wearer cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
After the historical battle at Culloden in 1746 the British suppressers outlawed bagpipe music as well as wearing clan tartans and clan crests. Scottish warriors were integrated into the British army. The development of the Scottish military uniform began at this time, during the end of the 18th century. The belted plaid was mixed with the British uniform. Famous Scottish regiments, like the "Black Watch" emerged from this integration. The full highland dress as it is now, consists of a separate kilt and plaid. Scottish elements in this dress are the belts, the kilt and the plaid. The tunic, shoes and socks are British additions. The "feather bonnet" is also an example of British influence.
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