It is no longer news that the Kilt is the national symbol of Scotland, worn by men. Yes, yes, men in skirts are not such a wild thing, and in Scotland they are also a source of pride. Let's look at why the Scots wear skirts and what is the secret of such a twist.

Courage and independence

Every nation, every state and society has its own characteristics, traditions and national symbols; in Scotland, the kilt - a skirt for men - is considered such a highlight. The product personifies and symbolizes incredible courage, heroic strength, unshakable courage and stubbornness of true warriors, as well as the omnipotence of a Man with a capital M. This item is popular mainly among the highlanders, but no one is forbidden if any Scotsman likes the kilt, and what man doesn’t want to be the standard of strength and independence?


History of the men's skirt

The seventh century was very difficult for the Scottish highlanders - war between clans and an endless struggle for power and territory. It was then that the kilt was born - men's skirt from an almost one and a half meter piece of fabric, which is wrapped around the waist and secured with special fasteners and belts, which warriors loved so much. A kind of universal cape.

A prerequisite is only checkered fabric. The kilt turned out to be a very practical and convenient product when fighting men had to carry out large number time in campaigns and battles - the thing did not restrict movement, dried quickly and retained heat, allowed you to freely climb heights, and during rest you could cover yourself with fabric, replacing it with a blanket. Given the high humidity of the climate, it was difficult to come up with the most comfortable thing. This is if we talk about a large kilt, the size of which allowed you to wrap your whole body, if necessary. And nothing prevented him from quickly getting rid of the cape in battle. Very practical. What is significant is that each clan had its own “pattern” of material, which made it possible to instantly determine whether a man belonged to one or another clan.


A small kilt is an equally convenient and popular thing that has migrated into the twenty-first century. The usual and well-known skirt in the world is of a more modest size and covers only the hips and legs to the knees. It became popular only in the 18th century and has not left the pedestal to this day. The advantage of a small kilt is that it is more comfortable and is practically not felt on the body - it does not interfere with the waist, it is very practical for any physical activity, and the thing itself is very warm, since it is traditionally created from a woolen material called tartan - Russians are more accustomed to calling such fabric “tartan”. That is why the skirt over time gained popularity not only among the highlanders, but also among ordinary workers, and later - ordinary citizens of Scotland and even the nobility.

Why is the kilt considered a symbol of independence and freedom?

Back in the 18th century, the English government deprived Scotland of independence and tried to impose its own rules and prohibitions on the Scottish people, mandatory among which was the rejection of “feminine” kilts and the forced wearing of trousers. The people were outraged by such demands and started a riot - residents dressed in kilts as a matter of principle, and defiantly pulled their pants over a stick, moving with the “construction” through the streets.


The government tried to stop such freedom and disobedience with the threat of imprisonment for a period of six months, with a repeated violation - a link to seven years, but the number of protesters was incredibly large, so this method I had to refuse the punishment - you can’t imprison absolutely the entire people. The Scottish nobility did not remain indifferent to what was happening and showed their solidarity with the common people - as a sign of this, the highest circles also dressed in plaid skirts. It was these events that dubbed the kilt a symbol of independence.

In the age of technology and progress

Turning to the traditions that are most famous and do not lose ground in Scotland today, it is important to note that Scottish women are no longer seen on the streets all the time. Modern men People are increasingly turning to classic trousers when it comes to everyday life and everyday life. Men are no longer required to fight and survive in harsh natural conditions, therefore it is much more practical and convenient to resort to the use of modern and lightweight wardrobe items. Regarding the kilt, the clothing has rightfully won the title of festive and ceremonial attire, national pride and symbol of freedom.

Representatives strong half of humanity put on kilts national holidays, weddings, family celebrations, etc. Clothes are considered formal and casual, although there is a small nuance - men do not wear underwear under their kilts, explaining this by preserving ancient traditions, because when the attire was born, the concept of “underwear” simply did not exist yet.


We looked at why Scottish men Since ancient times, people have preferred the kilt, as well as the semantic meaning of this symbol of the state. Remember that in addition to the kilt in Scotland, you should definitely pay attention to:

– rich culture of the people

– incredibly beautiful nature and sights

– famous watches and chocolate

Video on the topic of the article:

The kilt is considered the national symbol of Scotland. He personifies the courage and bravery of the harsh mountaineers. How the checkered kilt went from a necessary piece of clothing to a symbol of independence is further in the review.

It is generally accepted that the kilt appeared in Scotland around the 7th century. In the village of Nigg there is a stone depicting a man in a kilt, dating from this period. The first written mention of a men's skirt dates back to the 16th century. Bishop Leslie, in his reports to the Pope, wrote: “Their clothing is practical and excellent for battle. Everyone wears the same type of cape.”

If we remember the humid climate of Scotland, it becomes clear that wearing trousers in mountainous areas was impractical, as legs would quickly get wet. And in kilts they quickly crossed the terrain; these clothes dried perfectly and were used as a blanket at night. It is worth noting that at first only residents of the mountainous regions of the country preferred kilts to trousers.

There are two types of kilts: large and small. The first is a large woolen cloth that is draped around the waist, secured with a belt and thrown over the shoulder. A “lighter” version of the kilt, that is, without a top, appeared in the 18th century, when workers in production began to be bothered by an “extra” piece of fabric.

The word “kilt” itself is translated from Old Icelandic as “folded”. It is made from tartan, a woolen fabric with colored intersecting lines that form the famous checkered pattern. Each clan had its own type of pattern on the fabric, which allowed residents to immediately determine where strangers were coming from.

According to tradition, the highlanders went to war in kilts, but if necessary they could take them off. In 1645, during a battle, the Scots threw off their skirts and defeated an enemy twice their size (then there was no concept of underwear). One can only guess why the enemy fell: from the ferocity of the mountaineers or their appearance.

A funny picture about curious ladies and Scots.

Sean Connery is a British actor of Scottish descent.

The kilt is also considered a symbol of freedom. In the 18th century, the English government deprived Scotland of its independence and, among other things, obliged the population to wear trousers. The highlanders, in turn, continued to wear kilts, and carried trousers with them, stretched on sticks. Then the authorities completely passed a law banning the wearing of kilts. For disobedience, residents faced a 6-month prison sentence, and for repeated disobedience, they faced exile in a colony for 7 years. But it was not possible to expel everyone, and the highest circles of the Scottish nobility continued to wear checkered vestments as a sign of protest. Today, the kilt is considered an integral part of Scottish culture, and its inhabitants are proud of this clothing and are outraged when the kilt is called a skirt.

The kilt is made from a large piece of fabric about 12 ells (1356 cm), wrapped around the waist and secured with special buckles and belts. The kilt is accompanied by a small bag for personal belongings - a sporran, and the kilt itself can be “big” (Great Kilt, Breacan Feile) and “small” (Little kilt, Feileadh Beg). A large kilt can be thrown over your shoulder and covered with it in bad weather. Nowadays the kilt is about four or five yards long (3657-4572 mm) and 56-60 inches (142-151 cm) wide.

Kilt is the clothing of the Scottish Highlanders. (pinterest.ru)

Real highlanders, with a kilt, carry a knife behind their right stocking. If the knife is located on the outside of the golf course (in front), then this meant a declaration of war. From the very beginning of the 17th century, the Scots used the skin occles (sgian achlais) - an axillary dagger located in the left sleeve under the armpit. The traditions of hospitality required that a weapon be visible when visiting, and the highlander transferred the knife from a secret pocket to the garter of his right knee socks. Over time, they began to carry a knife constantly, and it received the name skin doo.


Battle. (wikipedia.org)

The first description of a kilt in the Scottish Highlands occurs in 1594: “Their outerwear is a speckled robe of various colors, with many folds up to the middle of the calves, with a belt around the waist, tightening the clothes.”

And in the description of 1746 it is said: “This clothing is quite loose and helps men who are accustomed to it overcome difficult obstacles: make quick transitions, endure the severity of the weather, and cross rivers. A kilt is equally convenient for life in the forest and in houses. In a word, it helps to cope with what regular clothes I can’t.”


Residents of Scotland. (pinterest.ru)

The word “Kilt” itself comes from the Old Icelandic kjilt (“folded”) and the formidable Vikings with tartan. Tartan - wool material with lines of different widths and colors that intersect each other at certain angles. Each clan had its own inclination, color and width of the tartan, which made it possible to immediately identify a stranger. By the number of colors of the tartan one could recognize a person's social status: one - a servant, two - a farmer, three - an officer, five - a military leader, six - a poet, seven - a leader. There are now about 700 tartan designs (sets), although many were forgotten during the ban on kilts.

Not all Scots wore the kilt, but only the Highlanders. In Scotland (Highlands), a large kilt was very suitable for rainy climates and mountainous terrain. The kilt warmed well enough, provided freedom of movement, dried well, and at night became a warm blanket. During the battle, when maximum freedom of movement was required, the highlanders took off their kilts and fought in their shirts.

Battle of Clans

There is a legend about such a battle. In 1544, a battle of clans took place between the Frasers, MacDonalds and Cameroons, it was called Blar-na-Leine, which translated means “Battle of the Shirts”. But this is a common play on words: "Blar na Leine" comes from "Blar na Leana", which translates as "Place of the marshy meadow".

There was also real battle no kilts. In August 1645 the Battle of Kilsyth took place. The Marquis of Montrose with three thousand Scots and Irish met in battle against the army of seven thousand William Baillie. The Scottish Highlanders, who struck the center of the enemy's positions, threw off their kilts during the battle and defeated superior forces wearing only their shirts.


Kilt. (pinterest.ru)

In the 18th century The British authorities tried to ban the wearing of a kilt by the Scots, in which they saw the waywardness of the Highlanders, and force them to wear trousers. But the proud and stubborn Highlanders bypassed the law and wore a kilt and wore their trousers on a stick.

The small kilt supposedly originated in 1725 at the instigation of the Englishman Rawlinson. The manager of the steel mill suggested leaving only the lower part of the kilt for convenience, and cutting off the rest. The length of the kilt was determined as follows: the owner squatted down and the edge of the material that touched the floor was cut off.

Nowadays the kilt is popular not only among the militant Scots, but also among the dignified Englishmen.

It was 2001 when they burst into my life - the Tatu group, girls in checkered skirts. It was a whim of a 6-year-old lady to get this item of clothing. To announce my “wants,” I went into my parents’ room. Having authoritatively opened the door, my victorious facial expressions underwent correction after what I saw on the TV screen: guys in skirts. In checkered ones! “Mom, why are they running around in skirts?” - I asked in a trembling voice. "A kilt is not a skirt"- my mother answered encouragingly. “They stole the idea from Tatu?” I whispered with hope. There was no answer about the appearance of this attribute on men. Okay, not a skirt, but why do men wear these kilts? Let's dot the boxes once and for all.

Why do men wear kilts in Scotland?

Kilt- this is not just a skirt, but part of a traditional Scottish men's costume, which is a long (so long that you can cover yourself with it like a blanket) piece of fabric wrapped around the waist, held there by buckles and straps.

Given the characteristics of the Scottish climate, it increased coolness and humidity, it becomes obvious that in mountainous areas wearing trousers just plain impractical. A kilt- convenient alternative: givesfreedom of movement, dry quicklyheats and warmseats turning into a warm blanket, you can quickly throw it off and rush towards the enemy (and the enemy from him :)) It would seem, how can it be, right in Adam’s costume? Let's figure it out now.

"If only I could take a peek..."

So what is it all about? There is a belief that kilt on top lower linen - taboo. You can, of course, treat a native resident to a glass of Scotch and get reliable facts (guys in kilts are not secretive at all :)), but delving a little into history will save you a couple of euros;)

In Scotland, in present time,kiltrun around likelower underwear,both without him. But whenjust started wearing it, a long shirt served as underwear, which, despite the length of the kilt, stuck out from under it in different directions and in every possible way interfered. Becoming an official military uniform him too put on a naked body.


Interesting facts:

  • Previously, the regiments had special checks, when an officer with a special mirror looked “under the skirts of the soldiers” and in the case laundry detection forced him to take it off.
  • Nine out of ten Scottish grooms on their wedding day wear a traditional checkered kilt.
  • In some institutions plaid skirt - mandatory dress code element for men.

Conclusion

Even now, when there is no need to wade through swamps and dozens of mountain kilometers, By wearing a kilt, they honor the memory of the exploits of their ancestors. And of course, men in kilts are a highlight that attracts tourists;)

Probably everyone remembers that in the last century, women had to literally win for themselves the right to dress in seemingly such purely men’s clothing as trousers for several decades. At the same time, many did not even suspect that somewhere there was a brave and determined people, whose representatives of the stronger half wore such a fashionable ladies' outfit as a Scottish skirt. What is it called and how do the mountaineers put on this national clothing - this and much more will be discussed in our article.

Historical background

The first mention of such an unusual outfit is found in documents dating back to the end of the 16th century. Its description was as follows: mid-calf-length outerwear in a variety of colors, with a belt and a large number of folds in the fabric. To put it simply, this is a Scottish skirt. What is the name of such an extravagant, by our standards, men's outfit?

Kilt is the name given to clothing consisting of a long piece of fabric, folded in a certain way, and complemented with belts and buckles. The name itself is of Old Norse origin and means “folded.” Woolen fabric (tartan) was decorated with lines intersecting at right angles, and they differed from each other in both width and color. Interestingly, each clan had its own special designs and tones. It was from them that representatives of one or another clan could accurately identify a stranger. In addition, by the number of colors on the fabric, it was possible to determine what position a particular person occupied in society.

In our time, there are only about seven hundred sets of tartans, but in fact there were much more. The fact is that many of them were forgotten when the Scottish men's skirt was banned for some period. This happened in 1746 after the suppression of the Jacobite uprising. Then the British authorities banned the wearing of not only the kilt, but also other national clothing made from tartan. This restriction was in effect for more than 35 years.

Advantages

I must say that the kilt is very comfortable. In rainy climates it was simply irreplaceable. It warmed perfectly in cold weather and could be used not only as clothing, but also warm blanket, dried quickly enough, did not interfere with its owner when moving. When maximum freedom of action was required, for example, during battles, the Scottish skirt was removed, and the warrior remained in one long shirt.

It is interesting that at first the kilt was worn exclusively by residents of mountainous regions - Highlanders. It is worth noting that this clothing was not previously part of the national culture, until recently. Only in the middle of the 19th century did the Scottish skirt for men gain sufficient popularity among representatives of the nobility of the lowland regions, as well as the foreign diaspora.

Big kilt

This clothing consisted of two pieces of thick woolen fabric, previously sewn together. Their length varied from 4 to 8 meters. Such a Scottish skirt, the name of which was pronounced in different places as Great Plaid and Belted Plaid (“big” or “belted plaid”), required a certain skill in putting on. To do this, the tartan fabric was laid out on a flat surface, with the non-corrugated part of the fabric equal to the width of the hips, and the rest was laid out in even, neat folds. In addition, a belt with a buckle pointing to the right was placed under the material folded in this way.

To put on such an outfit, men lay face down on the fabric and first wrapped it in the left end, which was previously folded, then in the smooth right one, and tightened it all with a belt. After this, already standing, they secured the free top part kilt, draped around the body in such a way that one end stretched across the chest, and the other through the back and was fixed on the shoulder with a buckle. As you can see, a Scottish skirt for men is not so simple. It’s interesting that many people, when putting on a real big kilt for the first time, often make the same mistake - they place its folds forward, not back.

Small kilt

It represents only the lower part of the so-called large blanket, that is, a piece of woolen material that wraps only around the hips. It is most often kept on the figure not by a belt, but by means of straps with buckles.

A tartan skirt must match several strict rules. These include a standardized length: its hem should be 4 cm above the floor when the man kneels. In addition, it is mandatory that the folds on the kilt match the tartan cells.

Additional accessories

In the most necessary and minimal set additional details The kilt includes a belt, hose, kiltpin and sporran. The last accessory listed was a leather wallet, most often embossed with Celtic designs and small metal studs and medallions, and hung on the front of a belt. Its purpose was not only to carry money and other small items, it also prevented the kilt from lifting both when walking and during windy weather. This is a very important detail considering one thing about wearing underwear. It lies in the fact that the mountaineers neglected him from the very beginning.

Some sources say that the Scottish regiments deliberately prohibited wearing underwear under the kilt. There is only one explanation for this - even in the army, the highlanders remained a long-standing habit. With the advent of double-decker buses and trams, soldiers, whose military uniform was and still is a Scottish skirt, are strictly forbidden to climb to the upper platform, so as not to shock the women.

The second mandatory addition to the kilt are hoses - special long socks or leggings that reach the knees. The next accessory was a kiltpin - a special pin, often made in the shape of a sword, which weighed down the free corner of the outer part of the skirt. In addition, a long homespun shirt was always worn under the kilt. The look was completed with a woolen beret, always made in kilt tartan.

Hollywood celebrities and more

Despite the fact that the Scottish skirt is considered national clothes, it is not worn in everyday life, so men dressed this way cannot be found in an office or store. These clothes are most often used at ceremonies such as family celebrations, weddings, various festivals, etc. Also, the kilt, as mentioned above, is a part military uniform and, interestingly, not only in the British army.

Some Hollywood celebrities, such as Ewan McGregor, Robbie Williams, Sean Connery, popular singers including Rod Stewart and Sting, as well as members of the royal family - Prince Charles and his son William, have also taken to wearing the tartan skirt.