Tartan

For this assignment I am going to discuss the different ways in which tartan is used to depict and define Scottish identity, and to what extent I think such usage is appropriate. In order to do this I will look at the history of tartan, it’s meaning to society and how it has changed aspects of Scottish culture over the years.

Tartan has become, without a doubt, one of the most important symbols of Scotland and Scottish heritage, and is an emblem for those of Scottish descent around the world. It has developed from a highland craft to a mass-produced and globally consumed textile.

Tartan is a woven material, generally of wool, consisting of horizontal and vertical bands of varying colours which, when woven together, has the appearance of being a number of intersecting squares. This is called a 'sett', and a length of tartan is made by repeating the pattern or sett, over and over again.

By changing the colours (although colours used would be restricted to the plant, berries and vegetable dyes found within the various districts), and varying the width, depth, and number of stripes, "differencing" is obtained.

Ancient Scottish dress consisted of a shirt or tunic, also known as a ‘leine’, and a semicircular cloak known as the brat, and was worn by both men and women. Alongside these garments, tight-fitting trews were also worn, which were straight, narrow trousers resembling today’s close-fitting styles. It has been suggested that the looser style of dress was worn by those of a higher status in the community, while the tighter fitting trews and jacket were reserved for the commoner.

There has been much speculation over the years as to where the English word "tartan" is said to have come from. The most popular and widely accepted belief is that it is derived from the French "tiretaine”, referring to woven cloth, or composition of a fabric, this view perhaps being due to the fact that the Scots were often allied with the French against the English....