The Scottish Kilt
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Kilts today are generally reserved for formal events, special occasions and celebrations - it's not common to see them in the street (apart from kilted piper playing for the tourists). That said, the sight isn't sufficiently unusual to turn any heads. Many weddings are accompanied by a sea of kilts and most large cities have somewhere you can buy or hire one.
History
The origin of the kilt is uncertain. Many claim the kilt to be a medieval or even ancient celtic garment, and there are definitely accounts of some such garment being worn many centuries ago. It's believe that this sort clothing allowed freedom of movement whilst also providing reasonable protection. Whilst these items were certainly "kiltlike" they weren't truly kilts as we think of them today. Unfortunately for Hollywood William Wallace and his men are unlikely to have worn kilts as depicted in Braveheart.The earliest documented appearance of the modern wraparound kilt is relatively recent, in the late 6th century. This was a fairly crude garment called a great kilt (Feileadh Mor) This version was simply a arge piece of wool, sometimes decorated in an early form of tartan, that was wrapped around the waist and fixed in place with a belt. It was simple and effective with the advantage that when not being worn the cloth could be used for other purposes such as a blanket.
The next main evolution of the kilt came in the early 18th century. Known as the little kilt (Feileadh Beag) this version was lighter and more intricate. One of the advantages of the new design was that it was safer to wear in the new factories of the industial age. Some people have suggested that the little kilt was invented by one John Rawlinson, a businessman, for workers in his Highland charcoal prodution facility. This idea is unpopular with many, not least because Rawlinson was English!
The kilt - along with other forms of highland dress such as anything tartan - was banned for 35 years, from 1746 - 1782 under the "Dress Act". This piece of British law followed the Battle of Culloden and was intended to supress any future Scottish uprising before it began by removing unifying symbols of Scottish culture.
Once the Dress Act was repealed the kilt was taken up with enthusiasm by many nationalist Scots. During the 19th century it evolved in the modern dress version we know today complete with decorative sporran, pins and buttons.
