Kilt facts for kids
A kilt is a special piece of clothing that comes from Scotland. It's made from a thick, woven fabric with a tartan (checkered) pattern. It looks a bit like a pleated skirt. Kilts were first worn by men and are still a big part of Scottish culture today.
Kilts are often seen at formal events, like weddings, and at fun Highland games and sports events. You might also see them worn by people who play the bagpipes or by some Scottish and Canadian military groups during ceremonies. In recent years, kilts have also become popular for everyday wear, especially in North America, where they are made from different materials for casual use.
History of the Kilt
The kilt has a long history! It was first written about in the 1500s. Back then, it was called the great kilt. This was a very long garment where the top part could be wrapped around the body like a cloak.
Later, in the 1700s, the small kilt or modern kilt appeared. This is basically just the bottom half of the great kilt. Since the 1800s, the kilt has become a strong symbol of Scottish culture and also of wider Gaelic or Celtic heritage. Most kilts are made from wool with a unique tartan pattern.
Who Wears Kilts Today?
While kilts were traditionally for men, women in Scotland started wearing them in the 1800s, especially for highland dances. By the 1900s, women wearing kilts became very popular. This led to the creation of the kilted skirt. This skirt was similar in length and style to the men's kilt but gave women their own special look. Women with Scottish family roots quickly started wearing kilted skirts.
Today, kilted skirts are still popular. However, women sometimes choose to wear a traditional style kilt if they prefer. For example, female members of pipe bands often wear kilts that look just like the men's kilts. Kilts have also been adopted by women for some sports.
Images for kids
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One of the earliest pictures of the kilt shows Highlanders around 1630.
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The modern Scottish kilt worn with formal evening clothes and a fancy sporran (a small bag) hanging from the waist.
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General William Gordon wearing a kilt as part of his army uniform in a painting from 1765–66.
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Oliver tartan kilt (2006).
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Stitching on the fell of a kilt (Robertson Red Modern).
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Pleating to the stripe (2005).
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Pleating to the sett.
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A Highland dancer showing how a kilt moves, worn here with a velvet waistcoat.
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Irish Defence Force pipers wearing saffron kilts.
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An example of a contemporary kilt.
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A contemporary hybrid kilt.
See also
In Spanish: Kilt para niños
