Tartan
Hey Kids! We are now in the midst of winter. Brrrr. In this edition of the Waranga News we are looking at a warm fabric that first appeared long ago in the highlands of Scotland - tartan.
Read all about this interesting textile and then have a go at the Wordsearch!
Instantly recognisable, tartan is a type of woven design which uses horizontal and vertical stripes to build a pattern of checks. It is commonly associated with Scotland and Scottish culture. Tartan patterns are often used in clothing, particularly kilts, as well as in home decor and accessories.
The history of tartan can be traced back to ancient times. The earliest known tartan fabric, known as the Falkirk tartan, dates to the 3rd century AD. It was discovered about 40 years ago preserved in a peat bog. Tartan patterns were initially created using natural dyes extracted from plants and minerals.
Tartan became closely associated with Scottish clans during the Middle Ages. Each clan developed its own unique tartan pattern, which served as a form of identification. Tartan patterns were used to distinguish between different clans and to represent family heritage.
The popularity of tartan increased during the 16th century when it caught the attention of the Scottish royalty. King James V of Scotland began to wear tartan, and it soon became fashionable among the nobility. Tartan patterns were also used to represent different regions of Scotland.
In the late 18th century, tartan faced a period of prohibition known as the Dress Act. The act aimed to suppress Highland culture and banned the wearing of tartan. However, the prohibition was lifted in 1782, and tartan regained its popularity.
The nineteenth century witnessed a revival of tartan. The Victorian era romanticised Scottish culture, and tartan became a symbol of Scottish identity. Queen Victoria herself played a significant role in popularising tartan by dressing her children in tartan outfits.
Today, tartan continues to be an important part of Scottish culture. The Scottish Register of Tartans was established in 2008 to preserve and promote tartan designs. Tartan patterns are now used not only in traditional clothing but also in contemporary fashion and design.
Harris Tweed or “Clo Mor” (derived from the Scottish Gaelic for ‘Big Cloth’) is the only fabric in the world which is governed by its own Act of Parliament. The decree states that genuine Harris Tweed must be made from pure virgin wool which was dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland and handwoven at home by the weaver.
According to the official Scottish Register of Tartans, the most complex tartan to weave is the Ogilvie with approximately 96 colour changes. It dates to 1812 and is also known as the Drummond of Strathallan tartan.
One of the most exclusive tartans ever made is the Balmoral, which dates from 1853. Said to have been designed by Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert, it features grey with red and black. The twisted black and white yarns are said to be reminiscent of the granite seen in Aberdeenshire’s Royal Deeside, where Balmoral is located. This tartan is one of few which can only be worn by members of the Royal family and the King’s personal piper with permission from the monarch.
The word “tartan” itself has been dated back to 1500, however its exact origins are unknown. Some suspect it is connected to the Old French “tertaine” which refers to a type of cloth.
In Australia and New Zealand, international Tartan Day is held on July 1 to mark the anniversary of the repeal of the 1746 Act of Proscription that outlawed the wearing of tartan.
Can you spot any tartan in your home?
