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Main - Copy of TRADITIONAL HIGHLAND DRESS - MALE

The presentation discusses Scottish traditions of national costume, focusing on traditional Highland dress for both men and women. It highlights the historical significance of the kilt, trews, sporran, and other accessories, as well as the impact of the Dress Act of 1746 on Highland attire. The document also emphasizes the cultural identity represented by these garments and their evolution over time.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
22 views5 pages

Main - Copy of TRADITIONAL HIGHLAND DRESS - MALE

The presentation discusses Scottish traditions of national costume, focusing on traditional Highland dress for both men and women. It highlights the historical significance of the kilt, trews, sporran, and other accessories, as well as the impact of the Dress Act of 1746 on Highland attire. The document also emphasizes the cultural identity represented by these garments and their evolution over time.

Uploaded by

siuzannanovukit
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The topic of my presentation is Scottish traditions of national

costume.

TRADITIONAL HIGHLAND DRESS - - MALE


Highland dress stands as one of the most recognizable symbols of
Scotland, deeply rooted in the display culture of медИвал гЕлик
medieval Gaelic society. This distinctive attire, worn by generations of
Highlanders, includes the kilt, trews, a sporran, the сгин дуу sgian
dubh енд гилиз браугс ghillies brogues, tongueless leather shoes

However, the traditional dress of the Highlands faced a dark chapter in


its history. In севентін фоті сікс 1746, following the джекобайт
Jacobite uprising, the British government passed the Dress Act,
which banned the wearing of Highland attire. This harsh measure was
intended to suppress Scottish identity and break the influence of the
Highland clans. For nearly four decades, kilts and tartans were
аутлод outlawed, and by the time the act was repealed in севентів
еіті ту 1782, everyday use of Highland dress had significantly
declined.
Despite this suppression, tartans later became an enduring symbol of
Scottish heritage. While many believe that specific tartan patterns
have ancient clan associations, this idea likely emerged after 1745.
According to Sir Francis J. Grant, Lord Lyon King of Arms, tartans
did exist in Scotland as early as фотін фоті 1440, but the clan-
specific designs recognized today only came into fashion during the
reign of King George фос IV. Earlier tartans, worn before 1745,
were notably different from their modern counterparts.
The kilt is one of Scotland’s most iconic garments, made from woolen
cloth with a distinctive tartan pattern. Traditionally knee-length with
pleats at the back, the kilt has been a symbol of Scottish heritage for
centuries. Although it is now considered formal attire, it was originally
worn informally and was first identified as a traditional Scottish dress
in the 16th century. The modern kilt evolved from the "belted plaid"
or "great kilt," a full-length garment that could be draped over the
shoulder like a cloak or even pulled over the head for additional
warmth.
To secure the kilt, a kilt pin is often worn on the lower corner of the
outer flap. More than just a practical accessory, the kilt pin is often
decorated with clan symbols, national emblems, or motifs inspired
by Scottish wildlife, adding a personal or family connection to the
outfit.

While kilts are the most well-known Highland attire, trews—traditional


tartan trousers—have been worn in Scotland since at least фіфтін
фьоті ейт 1538. Used primarily in winter when kilts offered little
protection against the cold, trews were originally long hose rather
than actual trousers. These hose extended up to the waist and were
secured with a linen cloth. Below the knee, they were fastened with a
garter, ensuring a snug fit. The name "trews" has had various
spellings over time, including траус trowse, триубес triubhas
(Scottish Gaelic), and truis (anglicized spelling).

A key component of Highland dress is the sporran, a pouch worn


around the waist since kilts do not have pockets. Sporrans come in
several styles suited to different occasions:
● Day Sporran ис the most casual type, ideal for daytime activities
like Highland Games or раби мечес rugby matches.
● Semi-Dress Sporran ис slightly more formal, often worn for
social gatherings or evening events.

Full-Dress Sporran ис the most ceremonial of all, traditionally worn


with Prince Charlie kilt outfits for grand occasions and formal
events.

One of the most distinctive pieces of footwear in Scottish tradition is


the гилис броугс ghillies brogues. Designed for functionality, these
shoes lack a tongue, allowing them to dry quickly after becoming
wet, an essential feature for traversing Scotland’s often damp and
rugged терЕин terrain. They are typically laced up around the ankle,
ensuring a secure fit while providing comfort and durability.

To complement the kilt, men wear kilt hose, which are long woolen
stockings that reach just below the knee. The upper part of the hose is
folded back to create a thick cuff. A decorative element known as
flashes—short strips of fabric attached to the garter—hang down from
the cuff. These flashes usually match the tartan of the kilt or are
chosen in a complementary color, enhancing the overall look.
A small but significant addition to Highland attire is the сгиин ду
sgian-dubh, a single-edged knife traditionally tucked into the kilt
hose on the dominant side. Though originally a practical tool for
cutting and defense, the sgian-dubh has become a ceremonial
accessory, often featuring decorative hilts and symbolic engravings.
The Scottish bonnet is another important feature of Highland dress.
Typically made of wool, this traditional headwear is distinguished by a
toorie (a small pom-pom) at its center and an external hatband
that encircles the head. Bonnet styles have evolved over time, with
variations such as the белморал Balmoral and гленгЕри Glengarry
becoming well-known symbols of Scottish identity.

While Highland dress is often associated with kilts and military-style


attire, traditional Highland dress for women carries its own distinct
elegance and historical significance. Unlike men, women and girls do
not traditionally wear kilts. Instead, they do ankle-length tartan
skirts, a graceful alternative. These skirts are often paired with a
tartan саш sash or шоол shawl, draped over the shoulder as a
symbol of clan pride and cultural identity.

For footwear, women wear ghillies, a style of soft shoes tied in the
same fashion as men’s ghillies brogues. However, women's ghillies
feature thin soles, making them ideal for indoor wear and Highland
dancing.

A key element of formal Highland dress for women is the Ерисейд


arisaid, a long cloak that reaches the heels. Traditionally crafted
from undyed wool, it often features subtle bright lines or stripes. The
arisaid is secured at the breast with a metal броуч brooch and
fastened at the waist with a leather belt, creating a refined yet
practical garment suitable for the Scottish climate.
To add further distinction to their attire, women wear sashes across
the upper half of their dress.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These sashes are typically fastened with a plaid brooch, an орнейт
ornate accessory that not only holds the fabric in place but also serves
as a decorative statement. One particularly prized variety is the
Каиргорм Cairngorm броуч Brooch, named after the smoky quartz
found in the Каиргорм Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland.

The importance and significance of men’s and womens Highland


dress has been a topic of conversation for many centuries. People
today are still discovering the fascinating importance and history of
traditional Scottish clothing and are amazed by the beautiful fashion,
style, and grace they display.
From paintings to sculptures, artists have depicted the distinctive
tartans, tailored jackets, and intricate accessories associated with
Highland attire, often highlighting the colours and tones of the Scottish
landscape.

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