Of Celts and Kilts
Keith Howells in his family tartan
I had a visit from a man in a kilt on Christmas Day. Did I ever mention I am quite partial to the sight of a man in a kilt?
Most of us, me included, might have assumed some Scots origins… but I am assured by my friend that we would all be wrong, and of course it makes sense that kilts made from tartan patterns are a part of the whole of Celtic culture.
Wales has its own connections to this fabric, which would have been woven by ancient Celtic tribes in designs that would identify their family origins. My visitor assured me that he was wearing the tartan of his own family (the Howells) which he had had made, especially for his final rest.
Yes, we older people do spend a bit of time considering how we will go into the big fire or under the ground. I once looked into burial at sea but when I saw the cost, phew… it’s a no fuss one for me, cheap as chips… but I digress.
Anyway, my friend Mr Howells (you can find a short history of this proud Welshman in other articles in Pembrokshire.Online) enlightened me about Welsh tartan. Back before we western folk were inclined to write things down, we left our mark in other ways, through artefacts such as pottery and fabrics that would withstand the cold and damp which we could weave from our sheep or fashion from the skins of our animals.
The Celtic peoples, from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany, used whatever was available and developed patterns that can be associated with individual groups. Though Scotland seems to be the only nation that is most closely well known in modern times with patterns of weaving and colours that identify where an individual hails from, it is known that tartan could be found everywhere that Celtic people settled. The patterns weren’t just decorative; pride was taken in the colours and patterns, and the tartans were traded as well as worn by the people who made them.
To be truthful, the “Welsh tartan”, unlike the Scottish kind, largely was lost but has had a revival. Pulled out of the mists of time. It is mainly a reimagining, a more modern idea that was redesigned in the mid-20th century likely due to a need for a national identity and born from a pride in being Welsh.
I have read that Carthenni, traditional Welsh woven blankets, were the source of inspiration for many Welsh tartans. They are described as having earthy tones and intricate patterns which mirrored the spirit of the tartan we have come to know.
And did you know that each tartan tells a story? Apparently each area in Wales has a particular tartan that speaks of the history of that region.
There is the Red Dragon tartan, which is unsurprisingly all about Y Ddraig Goch with its greens and reds
Blues and greens are Ceredigion tartan – in this tartan we are reminded of the sea and the green hills.
Plaid Cymru tartan of yellows and greens is a statement of the political party Plaid Cymru’s commitment to Wales and its people.
Do you know examples of other Welsh tartans?
We would love to hear from you.
