Scottish Tartan

    Despite great amounts of historical research, no one seems to know exactly when, how nor why Scottish tartans came to be.  It would seem from some of those historical records, that the tartan was commonly present at least as far back as the 16th century (1500's), just after the time we believe the three brothers, John, Alexander and Oliver. (see  History of the Caldwell Name ), settled in Scotland. It has been mentioned among the Scots, however, as far back as the 5th century . Reference has also been found to tartan like items amoung the Celts thousands of years ago .
 
    Did the family adopt a tartan?  If so, what does it look like?  Can we wear it?  To answer those questions, we need to first understand a little about tartans.

    First a clarification. Though often worn as a kilt, Tartans and Kilts are separte items. The Tartan is actually a patterned cloth which can be used in a number of ways. It was often used as a large cloth draped over the shoulder for warmth or even used as a shelter when needed. Today, it can be seen worn as a neck tie or in other clothing. And the Tartan far out dates the Kilt which was not adopted until the late 1700's or early 1800's.

Often, people have the understanding that tartans are something which is associated only with a particular family or surname.  While that is often the case and a family certainly can adopt its' own  tartan, records would indicate that an association with a geographical area is as common or, probably, more so than the association with a family.

Most often the addoption of a Tartan was by choice. Sometimes it was not. There are many instances of families of one surname being asked or even forced to wear the tartan of the land owner on whose land they resided.  Often, friends would wear the tartan of families they were very close to as a result of that close friendship and as a matter of courtesy.  It is also considered a proper way, apparently, in which to honor ones host.

    Scottish records, thus far, have not revealed a separate tartan associated with the Caldwell name. They have indicated, however, one associated with them, geographically.  The Paisley district, seven miles outside of Glasgow, is recorded as the geographic location associated with the Caldwells.  And the tartan of that district (shown above) is the one, therefore, associated with the Caldwell family.

    According to the guidelines we have been able to find for the wearing of tartans, it is certainly within proper bounds for anyone with Scottish ancestory to wear his/her tartan.  If it is not possible to trace ancestory to a particular part of Scotland or to a particular plaid, there is a tartan called the Caledonia tartan which can be properly worn by all Scots and friends of Scotland.
 
 
 

To learn more about tartans and Scotland; 

Scottish Tartan Society

Scottish Tartans 

The History of Tartans

The Celtic Net