A little about tartans...

The Gaelic word for tartan is breacan, meaning chequered. A tartan sett is the elemental pattern, which is represented by its thread count. It is believed that tartans used several centuries ago were simple checks of 2 or 3 colors obtained from dye-producing plants, roots, berries and trees found in the districts were the tartans were woven. These simple tartans were worn by those inhabiting that district.  Typically the districts were inhabited by kinsmen, so the district tartans were in effect, Clan tartans and probably gave rise to them. Chemical dyes enlarged the color range and more elaborate patterns evolved. It is believed that branches of larger clans slightly altered the pattern of their parent clan. Tartan antiquity has never been doubted, but critics agree that the wearing of a clan tartan as we see today dates back no earlier than the late 18th century. Literary sources reveal that clansmen typically wore the tartan of their chief. Following the Battle of Culloden in 1746, an Act of  Parliament made the wearing of tartan a penal offense.  The act was repealed in 1782.  By then, much of the knowledge of weaving had been lost. A tartan revival took place in 1822 with a visit from King George IV to Edinburgh, who suggested the people should attend functions wearing their respective tartans. Unfortunately, many 'original' tartans were then created. The publication of Vestiarium Scoticum in 1842 helped to augment the number of spurious tartans. Tartans are now registered with the Lord Lyon. Tartans are categorized by their purposed. Clan Tartans are for general use. The terms "ancient" and "modern" are misleading , which only indicate the colored shades.  Dress Tartans were originally worn by the ladies, who preferred lighter colors and have also been mislead as simply lighter weight tartans.  Mourning Tartans were worn for such a purpose. They were generally black and white. Hunting Tartans are worn for sport and outdoor activities. They are mostly muted and contain earth colors. Chiefs' Tartans are personal tartans for a chief and his immediate family. District Tartans are probably the oldest and can be worn by residents of that area.  Royal tartans and Military tartans should only be worn by their respective members.

MacArthur Animated Tartan Flag

Animated Tartan Globe

Click images to download

These make nice inserts as headers on your emails.

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