Scottish People: Clothing and Jewelry
The region of Scotland has always been considered to be a part of Great Britain; however, it has a different culture. The Scottish people follow some norms regarding their culture very rigorously. For example, Scotland has a separate national church that is different from that of England. The Scottish people believe in Saint Andrew and St. Andrew's Day is celebrated on 30th November every year in remembrance.
Another great historic feature of their culture is the iconic Great Highland Bagpipe. The Scottish bagpipe has become a mascot of Scotland. The Highland Bagpiper always appears in a Scottish skirt, made with the tartan cloth. Scottish jewelry has also been preserved by the people of Scotland. The people of Scotland are proud guardians of their culture.
Tartan - The Scottish Fabric
The tartan style of cloth is prominently seen in Scottish clothing. The tartan is woven in a crisscross style with different horizontal and vertical colored threads. Tartan is also known as the plaid, in some regions, especially in the northern side of the American continent.
The threads that are used to make tartan are dyed beforehand and then woven in a cloth deploying different patterns. The tartan cloth is usually woven using a simple twill. During the Middle Ages, the tartan also symbolized the village, town or region to which a particular person belonged. This was because weavers at that time, wove the cloth according to the demands of the public. After a time, the tartan patterns also came to be identified with specific clans, kingdoms or feudal lords. Tartan is also used to make the famous kilt.
Kilt - The Scottish Skirt
The kilt or the Scottish skirt is the national dress of Scotland. The Scottish kilt has been in fashion in the region of Scotland since the 16th century. It was adapted from the ancient cultures of Scotland such as the Gauls and the Scandinavians. Some of the settlements surrounding Scotland such as the Welsh, Irish, and Cornish have also adopted the Scottish kilt. In the Scottish language, the word 'kilt' means to 'tuck up'.
Many modern changes have been induced in the kilt; however, the basic idea and design remain the same. An average Scottish man prefers wearing the kilt, instead of the trouser.
Scottish Jewelry
The people of Scotland began to set up jewelry-making workshops in the 16th century. The first, permanent jewelry workshop and store started on the Royal Mile Road in Edinburgh.
The most famous and the best-crafted piece of jewelry from Scotland is the Luckenbooth brooch. It is a token of love that is given by the bride to the groom on the day of the marriage. The brooch serves as a protection or a shield against evil. It is always pinned on the shawl of the first-born. The brooch is supposed to protect the mother and the children from the evil eye in the husband's absence.
Another type of jewelry that is sometimes used by the Scottish people is the Claddagh ring. This kind of ring actually belongs to the Irish culture. However, due to its beauty, it has been adopted by all the cultures of the British Isles. The Claddagh ring depicts two hands enclosing a heart.
Scottish clothing and jewelry has indeed passed the test of time due to the fierce pride and patriotism that is the hallmark of every Scotsman and women who have hung onto their culture even in these fast changing times.
