SCOTTISH DRESS Meaning and
Definition
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Scottish dress refers to the traditional clothing and attire worn by the people of Scotland, which carries great cultural significance and reflects the country's rich history and heritage. It typically includes various elements such as the kilt, sporran, hose, shirt, jacket, and accessories like a belt, brooch, and a particular type of shoe known as ghillies.
The most iconic component of Scottish dress is the kilt, a knee-length pleated skirt made of tartan fabric, which displays a distinctive pattern of intersecting colored stripes. Tartan, often associated with Scottish clans, represents the wearer's heritage and symbolizes their connection to a specific family or region.
The sporran is a small pouch, traditionally made of fur or leather, that is worn hanging from a belt at the front of the kilt. It serves both as a decorative element and a practical accessory, providing storage space for small belongings.
Hose, or knee-length socks, are also considered essential in Scottish dress and are typically worn with garters or flashes that keep them in place. The shirt, generally made of linen or cotton, features a laced collar and sometimes elaborate embroidery.
Completing the Scottish dress ensemble is the jacket, which varies in style depending on the occasion — from the more formal Prince Charlie jacket and waistcoat to the casual Argyle jacket. Accessories like belts, brooches, and ghillies (shoes without tongues) add further detail to the overall Scottish dress attire.
Scottish dress is mainly worn on special occasions such as weddings, ceilidhs (traditional Scottish gatherings), Highland games, or during performances of Scottish music and dance. It is a vivid representation of Scotland's cultural identity and continues to play a significant role in preserving and showcasing its traditions.
Etymology of SCOTTISH DRESS
The term "Scottish dress" is commonly used to refer to traditional Scottish clothing, especially the kilt. The etymology of the word is as follows:
1. Scottish: The word "Scottish" refers to something or someone pertaining to Scotland, derived from the Old English word "Scoti" which meant "inhabitant of Ireland or Scotland". The term Scots or Scottish is used to describe the people, culture, and things associated with Scotland.
2. Dress: The word "dress" in this context refers to a particular style of clothing, usually associated with a specific region or culture. It comes from the Old French word "dresse" meaning "arrangement, apparel". The term has evolved to encompass various styles and types of clothing.
