A brief history...After the battle of Culloden in 1745 many Scots, and in particular many border clans were forced to flee their homelands. An immigration of the Scots in the 18th century was the result of eviction of thousands of crofters by Scottish landlords who wanted to make way for sheep farming.
The tartan has survived such upheaval as the Proscription Act, which followed the defeat of the Scots at Culloden. For 36 years the English parliament outlawed the highland dress. No Scot was permitted to wear the kilt and if he did, it was a punishable offence. The first offence was gaol for six months. If a highlander was caught a second time it was transportation for seven years. The Scots did not destroy their tartan, but rather, hid it away. For 36 years tartan lay hidden in the most secret places, but during these forbidden years the tartan often faded to a state almost beyond recognition. Today the manufacturers have kept this look and it is known as the 'weathered' look. The act against highland dress was repealed in 1782. Tartan gave every clan and county a sense of belonging and identity, and as a result of this identity, it has continually been developed. Tartan has also gained popularity in the fashion and corporate world. There are now well over 3000 registered tartans with the Scottish Tartan Society in Scotland. Today's tartans might not have the long history but in the time they will be known as old setts and tartan will continue to develop into the new millennium. Tartan - The Fabric of life.The history of Tartans and its origins began far back in time. It is not an exact science as to when it all began, but the Scots began a most enduring tradition, Tartan, which has been embraced by the world over. From as early as the 3rd century there is evidence of the tartan being used by the Scots, with the discovery of the Falkirk Sett, excavated from a site near the Antoine Wall. It is well documented that by the 16th Century the tartan had developed and was gaining momentum as popular attire for dress, even in its simplest form. In the earlier years vegetable dyes were used to give the fabric its color and vibrance. These dyes were obtained from local 'vegetable sources', i.e. seaweed, mosses, roots, heather and lichen. It was not until the coming of the industrial revolution when chemical dyes were introduced that the tartan became more colorful and colorfast. For tartan and its journey through the centuries one person had the greatest impact on the promotion and the gaining of its popularity. Queen Victoria's love of Scotland and the highlands enhanced the tartan. Prince Albert designed the Balmoral Tartan (The Royal Tartan) and today it is seen frequently worn by Prince Charles and other Royals. At one time the general public could purchase the Balmoral tartan (from Fletcher Jones), however today this tartan has been restricted to the Royal Family. Any ladies, who have purchased the Balmoral tartan prior to its restriction, would surely be in possession of a collectable item. The tartans have survived such turbulence in all its development with notable events such as the Highland Clearances and the Proscription Act, which was invoked by the English Parliament in 1645. This Act outlawed the wearing of the Plaid (and other forms of Scottish Culture). The Prohibition Act remained for 36 years resulting in a generation of lost weavers. Today the tartan has not only survived, but has distinguished Scotland and has revived, flourished and prospered. Tartan gave every clan and county a sense of identity and belonging, and as a result of this identity it has developed not only as a fashion statement, but a symbol that is easily recognized in Schools, Pipe and Band and Military Institutions. Tartan has gained popularity within the corporate world, having their own tartan designed as part of their uniforms.
The selected colors were red, white, blue, green, gold, and black. Red, white and blue, these colors stem from our National flag and from the time that Captain James Cook raised the flag (Union Jack) on Australian soil: Six white stripes represent the Southern Cross constellation, which is unique to the Southern Hemisphere. This also includes our Federation or Commonwealth Star. White also represents the cross of St Andrew (Scotland) Red stripes represent the Cross-of St George (England) and St Patrick (Ireland). Green and Gold were formally proclaimed by the Australian Government as National colors in 1984 after many requests were made to have traditional sporting colors. Black stripe in the tartan represents Australia's early beginnings as a convict settlement- a dark area of our history. Blue and green colors have the greater proportion within the sett. I have taken this concept from nature. As Australians look out we see mostly blue skies and green trees, so it is these two colors I have given to the background of the tartan. I have a belief that our Australian tartans both State and National belong to the people of the State communities, therefore should be used for the good of the community. Tartans have been used for many reasons, but perhaps the most honorable way would be for the Australian Tartans to be used for fund raising for deserving charities. This is not a new concept for the use of Tartan, however, a first for Australia. Perhaps the most celebrated example of this is the Memorial Tartan, which was created in memory of Princess Diana. This particular tartan continues to raise funds for her favorite charity. Recently there have been Highland Balls organized by very energetic ladies who specialty is to fund raise for charities. The charity that has gained from this is - 'A Cure for Life Foundation'.
If anyone in the community would like to gather more information about the Australian and State tartans or any family
tartan please contact me.
Betty J Johnston.Home | About | Products | Australian Tartans | Notice Board | FAQ | Contact
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