11 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Scottish Tarans

When we think of Scottish culture, one iconic image that comes to mind is the tartan pattern. Tartans are patterned cloths consisting of criss-crossed, horizontal, and vertical bands in multiple colors, forming simple or intricate rectangular designs. While many of us may be familiar with tartans and their association with Scotland, there’s more to these colorful patterns than meets the eye. In this blog post, we’ll explore 11 things you probably didn’t know about Scottish tartans.

1. Ancient Origins Tartans have a history that spans thousands of years. The earliest surviving samples of tartan-style cloth were discovered in Xinjiang, China, dating back around 3,000 years. These ancient textiles exhibit the distinctive criss-cross pattern that we now associate with tartans.

2. The Name Game The term “tartan” possibly originates from the French word “tiretaine,” meaning ‘linsey-woolsey cloth.’ Another theory suggests that it could come from Scottish Gaelic words like “tarsainn” or “tarsuinn,” meaning ‘across’ or ‘crossing over.’

3. Plaid or Tartan? Outside of Scotland, tartan is sometimes referred to as “plaid,” especially in North America. However, in Scotland, a plaid is a large piece of tartan cloth that can be worn in various ways.

4. The Symmetrical Sett A tartan pattern is composed of a sequence of colored stripes that repeat in a defined symmetrical sequence. The unit of the tartan pattern is called a “sett,” and it forms a square with elements arranged symmetrically around a central square.

5. Sett Variations While most tartans have a symmetrical sett, there are asymmetric tartans where the sequence does not reverse at the pivot points. Additionally, some tartans have different setts for the warp and weft, resulting in varying thread counts.

6. Not All Clan Tartans Are Ancient Contrary to popular belief, not all clan tartans have ancient origins. In the past, tartans were more region-specific rather than clan-specific. The concept of specific tartans for individual clans became more widespread in the 19th century.

7. The Dress Act of 1746 In an attempt to control the Highland clans, the Dress Act of 1746 banned Highland dress, including tartan. However, after its repeal in 1782, tartan gained popularity and became a symbol of Scottish national identity.

8. Influence of Royalty The widespread adoption of tartan as Scotland’s national dress owes much to King George IV, who wore a tartan kilt during his 1822 visit to Scotland. Queen Victoria’s love for Scotland and her patronage further popularized tartans.

9. Tartan Variations Tartans are not limited to traditional textiles. Today, tartan patterns can be found on various media, including paper, plastics, packaging, and wall coverings.

10. Tartan’s Global Reach The influence of Scottish culture has spread far beyond Scotland’s borders, leading to tartan’s popularity in other countries influenced by Scottish traditions. You can find tartan-styled patterns in Japan, Russia, Bhutan, and India.

11. A Tartan for Every Occasion While some may associate certain tartans with formal or informal occasions, there are no strict rules about when and where to wear them. Highlanders used to wear tartans as everyday clothing, and today, tartan kilts can be worn to both casual and formal events.

Tartans continue to be a cherished symbol of Scottish heritage, representing a rich tapestry of history, tradition, and craftsmanship. From their ancient origins to their global reach, tartans have woven themselves into the fabric of our cultural imagination, making them a timeless and enduring emblem of Scotland’s identity. So, the next time you see a vibrant tartan pattern, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of history and artistry behind it.