Kilt is ... The Scottish kilt

Each country is associated with us in some way. Speaking the word "Scotland", we remember the mountains in the fog, the books of Walter Scott, and we have a kilt skirt before our eyes. Without this eclectic object, one can not imagine a Scotsman. While in modern Glasgow, they are found as rarely as on the Arbat in Moscow.

What it is?

Kilt - an element of men's clothing, which is considered traditional for the Highlanders of Scotland. Outwardly it is quite simple - it's a simple piece of material that wraps around the waist, and on it is fixed with special buckles and straps. Its obligatory accessory is sporran, i.e., a special handbag, which is designed to store various small things and money.

History

The oldest description of this thing in Scotland is that which dates back to 1594. According to him, the kilt is an outer garment that looks like a speckled apparel that has a variety of colors and possesses a huge number of folds that reach the middle of the calves. The kilt had a belt that wrapped around the waist. He was put on rather original - through his legs.

Kilt is an indispensable thing in Upper Scotland. It is explained by the climate and local relief (rain and mountains - this is what the guests are waiting for here). This type of clothing has many advantages - it warms the body, does not constrain movement, while wetting, instantly dries (much faster than pants). At night it turns into a cozy and warm blanket.

Kilt in combat is convenient because during battles in battles it can be quickly thrown off, in his movements receiving maximum freedom, and to fight further. One of the most famous battles of this kind was the battle between the three clans - Cameroons, MacDonald and Fraser.

By the way, there is an opinion that the kilt is an integral part of the culture of Scotland, but this is not entirely true. He was always a classic costume, while the national importance was not so long ago. Only in the middle of the century before last, he gained popularity among the intelligentsia and the nobility of Scotland. A little later, ordinary local residents, besides the Scottish diasporas living outside the country, also accepted it. Irish, Welsh and other representatives of the Celts also began to wear a Scottish kilt. But it must be noted that among these nationalities, it is not so revered and loved.

Kilt in modern times

At the moment, the Scottish kilt as everyday wear is used very rarely. He is considered part of the official costume. He is also often worn by scouts as a dress. At the Scottish competitions of different levels (musical and dance), the kilts flit every now and then. Today, in most armies of the British Commonwealth, and in the army itself, including the Scotsman's kilt is still a compulsory subject of military ammunition. But it should be noted that he was not put on military action since the end of the Second World War.

Colors

Since for the production of paints for kilt, vegetable components were used before, while plants that were used for this purpose did not grow everywhere, weavers were limited to a strictly defined set of colors. Such a set of color bands was called set. On it, the terrain in which it was created was easily determined.

Sett for any local clan was unique, thus revealing belonging to a particular clan. This led to the fact that at the moment there are about 700 different sets.

Kinds of kilts

There are several types of kilt - small and large. The big interest is that it was very long, so much so that sometimes it was thrown over his shoulder, hiding under it in bad weather. To create the kilt, wool was used, which contributed to this.

The Great Kilt

The large kilt has many other names and names - Big Kilt, Feileadh Mor, Belted Plaid, Breacan Feile and Great Kilt. Although its essence is one - it's 2 pieces of woolen thick fabric, sewn together. Its length may vary, although it is within the range of 4.5-9 yards. In such a large enough range can be identified much narrower, it is most often used to make a large kilt - 6-7 yards.

His manufacturing process is interesting. Thus, the folds were assembled by hand only on the first part of the fabric, and then fastened together, for which a wide belt was used. The other part of the "attached" can be different methods. It can be thrown on the left shoulder (analogous to the cloak) or sheltered under it from the bad weather (in this case, the shoulders and head will be well protected). And also this part can be fixed on the belt, while leaving a small end, falling from it. Quite often such male kilt served also as a reliable coverlet.

According to a detailed description of 1746, this clothing is free and convenient, which was very appreciated for men, because overcoming fast or distant transitions, in addition, crossing the river proved to be more simple. A large kilt is suitable for hiking in the forest, as well as for home and everyday life. In general, we can say that he can help and where there is nothing to do in ordinary clothes.

Historians have not decided until now and constantly argue about the time of the appearance of this garment. But one can say with a high degree of certainty that by the beginning of the eighteenth century it was already known about him. His images, discovered earlier than those years, differ slightly from what we usually understand by the kilt. Previously, he looked more like a long shirt, reaching to the knees. It was made of different materials, including leather, canvas or flax. For greater protection and reliability, the kilt was squished, although already in those years it had a huge number of folds.

Many people think that the Highlanders from Scotland are the main judges of the kilt. But it is not so. Yes, of course, they wear it, but it is also characteristic for the inhabitants of a number of poor villages that are not located in the mountains, but on the plain.

Lost for a while, the tradition of wearing it was revived only in the nineteenth century.

Small Kilt

Not everyone knows that the word "kilt" basically means a small kilt, because it just looks like it is familiar to every outside observer, but, in essence, is only the bottom part of a large one. Since it differs from its large version in much smaller sizes, it is often fixed not in the classical way, but on simple straps with buckles. To secure its floors, a pin is used, which is designed specifically for such purposes.

There is an opinion that its creator is the Englishman Rolinson. This manager at the steel smelting factory introduced in 1725 the proposal to remove the upper part of the kilt for greater convenience and comfort, leaving only the lower part for wearing.

Accessories

Required attributes to it were woolen long socks. They could be both monochrome and checkered. They were traditionally without gum and were held only with garters with tassels. A dagger (sgian dubh or dirk) was put under them. The sporran was hung on the belt - it's a fur purse, turned outward with wool. Sporran was worn in front, so that the wind did not show everyone around what in a decent society to show is not accepted. Kilt without him is treated about the same way as the trousers' pants, unintentionally unbuttoned.

Kilt for bath

This irreplaceable detail of the bathrobe is a classic, which is necessary for women and men. Kilt for a bath at women is also called pareo. It is much longer, so it has the ability to wrap, like a sheet or a towel. Male kilt is basically wide and very large, so that anyone can easily turn into it.

When choosing it is better to pay attention to terry products. They are dense, soft and absorb moisture perfectly. Buy is a kilt from natural, cotton, unpainted fabric. Wafer kilt - this option is cheaper. It is much thinner than terry and, therefore, quickly soaks, and this creates certain inconveniences. Such clothes will be very convenient and practical in a hot steam room and after it.