One of the great themes of the Celebrancy movement, at least in my mind, is the sense of “belonging”….of the inter-connectedness of things. I have come to appreciate the small symbols that exist, ones that tie us together and with our past.
As a youngster in Oklahoma, I would recall that at various times during the cycles of fashions “Tartan plaids” would appear. I think it was in junior high when I was particularly proud of a green-based Tartan skirt that I had. (I considered it a very smart outfit that I paired with a crew neck sweater and penny loafers.)
Only through my Celebrancy work have I come to appreciate the rich history of Tartan plaids. I have had the honor to work with some wonderful Scottish couples who choose to marry in New York. I am thrilled with the men choose to wear the Tartan kilts of their ancestors. For those familiar with the plaids, you will know that each clan has its own particular design. To the untrained eye these plaids may be undistinguishable, but a closer look will reveal different color schemes and plaids.
I have recently come across a couple of delightful uses of special Tartan plaids that remind me of the universal “want” to be part of a community—a team. A month or so ago, I participated in the wedding of Allie and Jon. Both were of Scottish ancestry and decided to include a Celtic handfasting as a unity ritual in their ceremony. Rather than using a family Tartan, they used the “official Tartan of the City of New York,” the place their romance blossomed. Who knew that we had a Tartan?! Similarly, in a work-related meeting with women from the Fashion/Clothing/Textile department at Oklahoma State University, they explained that University had hosted a campus wide contest to design an official Tartan design for OSU. The winning entry is included in the slide show below and will be used in all types University memorabilia, ranging from nifty rain boots to warm throws for chilly football games.
I dream of someday having the opportunity to gift a Tartan Kilt constructed with the Ritchie plaid. I, along with those I work with, want to belong. In the meantime, enjoy more photos from Gail and Jason’s wedding, complete with tartans!
