The Tartan: A Timeless Symbol of Scottish Identity
What is Scottish plaid and why is it important?
The Scottish plaid, or tartan, is a beautiful pattern of horizontal and vertical lines in different colours that has been a symbol of Scotland and its rich culture for centuries. In our home, the Scottish plaid plays a big role. Our family is fascinated by the beauty and meaning of this iconic pattern. Our travels to Scotland have brought us ever closer to the origins of the tartan, discovering the charm and heritage of this beautiful country.
Bee Mood Company you can find a wide range of tartan products, such as the beautiful Tartan plaids from Tweedmill and Bronte by Moon, which add a touch of Scottish add history to any interior. Or how about the beautiful Tartan bags from Glen Appin, perfect for those who want to take a piece of Scotland with them into their everyday lives?
Our family tours through Scotland
During our family holidays we have often discovered the beauty and history of Scotland. We fondly remember our visits to Oban, a charming harbour town where the air is filled with the smell of fresh seafood and the sound of bagpipes. From Oban we crossed over to the Isle of Mull, an island full of breathtaking scenery and picturesque villages.
From Mull we travelled to the tranquil Isle of Iona, known for its ancient abbey and spiritual atmosphere, and Staffa, where we visited the impressive Fingal's Cave. It was during these travels that we first began to truly appreciate the power and beauty of tartan. The pattern seemed to be everywhere around us: in the kilts of the locals, the colourful plaids in the shops, and even in the carpets of our hotels. It was as if the Scottish plaid reminded us everywhere of the deep connection between the land and its people.
Inspiration at the Scottish Trade Fair in Glasgow
In addition to our trips to the Scottish Isles, we also make the biennial crossing to the Scottish Trade Fair in Glasgow. This fair is a celebration of Scottish creativity, craftsmanship and tradition. Here we meet local craftsmen and designers who bring the classic tartan combine with contemporary styles. Every visit to the fair feels like a renewed acquaintance with the versatility of tartan.
We came into contact with beautiful brands such as Tweedmill and Bronte by Moon, which we now proudly offer at Mood Company. Their throws and cushions are woven from the finest wool and embody Scottish tradition in every detail. Also the bags from Glen Appin, with their classic tartan designs, are always a favorite at the fair.
History of Scottish plaid
The history of tartan goes back a long way and is intertwined with the history of Scotland itself. Originally, each Scottish clan wore their own tartan pattern, which served as a symbol of their identity and ancestry. Tartans became particularly popular during the Jacobite risings of the 18th century, when they became a symbol of resistance and national pride.
During our visits to the Scottish Trade Fair we learned a lot about the history and meaning of the different tartans. It is fascinating to see how each pattern tells its own story and has a connection to a specific clan or region. For example, some tartans carry names such as the MacLeod or Stewart, each with a unique combination of colours and lines that represent a family or area.
Use of tartan in clothing and accessories
Tartan is not limited to traditional costumes such as the kilt, a garment we often encounter during our travels to Scotland. The pattern is also used in modern fashion and accessories. Glen Appin’s Tartan bags, for example, are a beautiful addition to any wardrobe and add a touch of Scottish flair to your everyday look.
At Mood Company we are proud to offer these beautiful products. The tartan throws from Tweedmill and Bronte by Moon bring a touch of the Scottish Highlands into your home, while the Glen Appin bags are perfect for adventuring, whether that be in the Scottish hills or just around town.
The meaning of colors and patterns
During our travels we have also learned that the colours and patterns of tartan often have a deeper meaning. They can symbolise the natural environment of a region or important events in a family’s history. For example, red can represent the bloody battles of the past, while green symbolises the vast Scottish fields and forests.
It is this combination of history, symbolism and craftsmanship that continues to inspire us to return to Scotland and further expand our range at Mood Company to include authentic tartan products.
Tartan in pop culture
Tartan is also a well-known motif in pop culture. Who doesn't remember the outfits in films like Braveheart and series such as Outlander, where tartan plays a crucial role in telling stories of Scottish courage and identity? Even in the music world, tartan has found its place, as with the Bay City Rollers in the 1970s.
Why does the Scottish plaid remain such an important symbol?
For us as a family, tartan is more than just a pretty pattern; it is a reminder of our adventures, the kind people we have met and the rich history and culture we continue to rediscover on our travels to Scotland. At Mood Company, we want to share this love of tartan and all it represents with our customers.
With the beautiful Tartan plaids from Tweedmill and Bronte by Moon and the stylish Tartan bags from Glen Appin bring a piece of this special culture into your own home. Whether you prefer traditional or modern styles, there is a tartan to suit you.