Macgregor Tartan; A Perfect Choice For Making A Bold Statement
A kilt is the national dress of Scotland, and the highlanders started wearing it in the 16th century. Have you ever seen anyone wearing a tartan kilt, or have you ever worn it? Tartan is a patterned cloth consisting of crisscrossed vertical and horizontal bands in different colors. There are hundreds of tartans, and one of them is Macgregor tartan.
Each tartan is linked to a family. It means Scottish people wear the tartan that represents their clan. If you are a non-Scot and want to wear a kilt, then you should choose a universal tartan that is not linked to any family.
Macgregor Tartan Kilt introduction:
If you take a look at the history of the Scottish kilt, you come to know that tartans used to represent the clan of the wearer. Wearing a particular tartan would indicate that the wearer has the allegiance to the Chief of that particular Clan. It was not necessary to be related to the clan chief in order to be a member of a clan. If someone wanted to become a member of the clan, he had to work for it or pledge himself to the chief to take the surname.
As far as clan Macgregor is concerned, they were descended from an ancient Celtic royal family. They were a victim of Proscription for nearly two centuries. The members of the clan were legally tortured and executed. They were not allowed to own a property. To the worst, they were not even allowed to possess a knife. Despite all these appalling conditions, the clan Macgregor name survived.
As far as their tartan is concerned there are four popular tartans of Macgregor clan:
- Macgregor Red and Green
- Macgregor Red and Black
- Macgregor of Cardney
- Macgregor of Glengyle
Macgregor Red and Green:
It is one of the four tartans of clan and consists of red and green stripes. The exact origin of the tartan is not known. But it is said that this tartan was worn in 1800. The green color used in the tartan shows wealth or means. The red color used in the tartan was brought from India and was expensive.
Macgregor Red and Black:
Red and black combination always looks great, and Macgregors have a tartan in red and black color. It is one of the oldest tartans as it was worn even before the individual tartans were associated with particular clans. The origin of this tartan is not known, but it is said that it was adopted by Macgregors due to its easy weave and striking sett.
Macgregor of Cardney:
It is a tartan that was bought by the Macgregors in good faith. It was worn by Alasdair Macgregor of Cardney first, who decided to make a red and green tartan using his own sheep wool and vegetable dyes. But Macgregors started wearing it without realizing the history.
Macgregor of Glengyle:
It is a tartan in red and dark blue, which looks great indeed. The MacGregors were transported to Aberdeenshire in 1642 by the Earl of Moray to fight the Mackintoshes were certainly Macgregors of Glengyle.
Macgregor Clan Crest:
Macgregors is one of the oldest clans in Scotland. It is said that they were descended from an ancient Celtic royal family of Kenneth MacAlpin. In the 13th century, he reunited Scotland. History calls them the children of the mist as they have been a victim for nearly two centuries.
Who can wear the tartan of the clan Macgregor?
This is the most common question asked by the non-scots. Those who belong to Scotland know that each tartan represents the clan of the wearer. But what should a non-scot do if he wants to wear a tartan kilt? Scottish kilts have become quite famous all over the world, and people who do not have any connection with Scotland also rock this traditional highland dress. There are some universal tartans also available which are not associated with any family. Anyone can wear them.
Things that can offend the Scots:
A kilt is indeed a super comfortable and the manliest dress of highlanders. But wearing a kilt is not a joke as it is the national dress of Scotland. They have been wearing it for centuries. Wearing a kilt would not offend a true scot as long as it is not associated with their clan. Scots will be pleased to see non-sots wearing their traditional dress. But it may offend them if you wear a tartan of a particular clan when you are not a member of that clan.
Also, if they loved one Sacrificed his life in the army and you wear his tartan, it may offend them. So, it is better to do a little homework before wearing a kilt. You do not want to hurt the sentiments of anyone, so make sure you know which tartan you are wearing.
The best place to buy tartan:
You can easily find the tartan kilts on a brick and mortar store. But for a more convenient shopping experience, it is recommended to buy it online. You would be able to read about the quality of the product. Also, you can check the reviews of the customers to know if it is worth buying or not.
The Scottish Kilt collection is one of the best online stores where you can find a highland dress made from high-quality materials. The best part is that they are available at a fair price. Never compromise on the quality of a kilt or tartan.
Summing up:
If you want to buy the clan Macgregor’s tartan, then search it online as it would be more convenient to purchase it front the internet. You would be able to know the history and origin of the tartan. You can also purchase Macgregor Tartan Blanket and Macgregor tartan scarf from one place.
Scottish people wear tartan kilts to showcase their pride for the Celtic culture, so the purpose of wearing a kilt must not be to offend anyone.
Comment (1)
Thank you for the history on the McGregor tartan,and kilts. I have recently tracked my family heritage back to the McGregor clan. I am very excited to find my Scottish heritage in my family history.