The History of Kilt Pins- Legend, Myths & More

Culture and history are not things that are passed only through myths or verbal folklore tales from one generation to another. It is more than that because it works as a collective behaviour of nations reflected in their clothes and jewellery accessories.

The same is the case with kilt pins because these are not only ordinary pins used to wrap the traditional clothes that are usually knee-length and worn by Scottish people historically, but now by modern-day youth looking to promote their historical values.

Kilt pins have become a symbol of Scottish identity and resistance towards the whole world. It can not only help you to fasten your apparel but also to make a bold statement wherever you travel about the integrity of Scotland.

What are the Origins of Kilt Pins?

The actual traces of the Kilt Pins date back to the 19th century, where the bronze or metal fasteners were commonly used by people who wore skirts or kilts. However, upon digging deep, there are some references or hints of vintage pins available in legends and folklores passed down from Celtic tribes to modern-day Scottish people.

Earlier, pins were made of bones to serve the purpose of clothes fasteners rather than a decorative jewellery component. Archaeologists have also found that kilt pins are widely used throughout Scottish history, and their original form is not much like the ornate safety pin designs of today.

They were considered normal jewellery elements in the past, but now the kilt pins have become an important part of  Scottish heritage.

What is the Functional Background of Kilt Pins?

The need for Scottish kilt pins did not arise until the people of Scotland were wearing highland dress. The "Great Kilt" or "Feileadh Mòr," consists of a substantial length of tartan fabric that was laced and wrapped around the waist. Careful belting and wrapping were more than enough to handle this highland dress, and no pin was required.

But when the modern kilt (the "Feileadh Beag" or "little kilt") emerged in the 18th century, the need for additional fastening became apparent because the front flap turns upward, usually in the windy weather of Scotland.

Although the whole kilt is wrapped around the waist with straps and belts, the front flap remains unhinged. That’s when the need for vintage kilt pins emerged and covered the fastening of clothes with style.

Earlier Designs and Materials of Scottish Kilt Pins

The design and material of kilt pins were very simple earlier, but with the Industrial Revolution, new iterations have been introduced in these pins as well.

Bone Pins: Antique kilt pins were crafted from animal bones and focused on fastening clothes rather than decorative elements.

Iron Pins:The Industrial Revolution has made metal crafting easy; that’s why blacksmiths are creating iron pins by copying the same designs or even experimenting with them as well.

Bronze Castings:Bronze castings are done on traditional kilt pins to make them more stylish and decorative.

What is the Symbolic Significance of Kilt Pins?

Apparently, kilt pins are a part of jewellery items that old and even new generations of Scottish people wear to tie up their skirts like dresses that come with a front flap above the knees. Apart from holding the dress together with your waist, it holds significance in Scottish history and culture as well.

From reflecting clan to national identity, different kinds of kilt pins are used by people along with their even modern dresses as well.

1. Clan Identity and Heritage

Different clans use special kilt pins like stag kilt pins, clan crest kilt pins, and other types to make their people stand out among others. That’s why modern jewellery makers are offering clan kilt pins to help people dive into the vintage and show resemblance with their group.

Clan crests featuring family crests are made to be worn by authorised people of that family to reflect clan affiliation. Inscribed ceremonial pins are used as clan mottos to secure the dress. Lastly, family-specific animals like a stag or an eagle appear in pin designs as well to show heritage values.

2. National Identity

Modern-day decorative kilt pins are the best representation of national identity because when you have worn a pin incorporating the national flower of Scotland, you will be identified as a national ambassador across the globe. Thistle motifs, St. Andrew’s Cross, and Celtic knotwork served as national emblems for people to wear.

3. Military Significance

In the 19th and 20th centuries, kilt pins developed connections with different Scottish military regiments, separating each other by variation in designs. Ranks have been identified by slight variation in the design and material of kilt pins worn by officers. Several designs have also become a sign of military engagement as well.

What is the Cultural Significance of Kilt Pins?

Beyond the symbolic significance of being military rank indicators and national identity. These unique kilt pins have cultural importance as well, aligning with Scottish heritage values and identity. 

Celtic or thistle kilt pins are used as heirlooms to pass from one generation to another and as symbols of wealth. If someone is affording a diamond kilt pin, then it is obvious that they are part of the Scottish elite.

1. Social Status Indicators

The material and intricate design of a kilt pin reflected the social standing of the wearer back in those days, when Scotland was not a nation state. 

Kilt pins crafted from silver or gold indicate wealth and high status of the person, and if precious gemstones like diamond are added to it, then it simply elevates the prestige of the person.

However, the unique mystery is hidden in the designs of handmade or vintage kilt pins because the more intricate the design is, the more resourceful the person is who has afforded such a high level of craftsmanship.

2. Ceremonial Significance

Scottish ceremonies and formal dinners demand wearing of custom kilt pins to show association with your culture and national values. That’s why Burns Night suppers and other formal Scottish gatherings call for proper attire, including appropriate pins from members.

3. Heirloom Value

Scottish families treat kilt pins as souvenirs due to their affiliation with their forefathers. That’s why passing clan crests or family pins from one generation to another is very common in Scottish culture. Moreover, some commemorative pins are preserved by elders as a symbol of family history, enclosed in it.

Common Legends & Myths About Kilt Pins

There are several legends and myths floating about the origin and history of kilt pins. The accuracy or authenticity of the common ideas about their origin is debatable, but it surely adds cultural depth to this small jewellery item. The strongest myth is associated with Queen Victoria and her visit to the armed troops.

Legend of Queen Victoria’s Instant Solution for Soldiers Wearing Kilts

It has been widely discussed that once in 1850, Queen Victoria was on her visit to the Scottish troops, and suddenly something happened as narrated in the points below.

1. A strong gust of wind caught a young soldier's kilt, making the front flap turn upward due to the air and exposing the soldier’s body.

2. While experiencing the view of a soldier feeling embarrassed, Queen Victoria took out a pin from her clothes.

3. After that, she pinned the soldier’s kilt by herself using the pin removed from her clothes.

4. As a gesture of respect towards the monarch's actions, it has become a common practice to wear kilt pins.

There’s still no historical evidence of this event available, but Queen Victoria's known fondness for Scotland and Scottish traditions makes the tale plausible in spirit, if not in exact detail.

Legend of the Clan’s Chief Order

There is another legend about the origin of kilt pins that also floats around the tales of Scottish culture and traditions.

1. A powerful clan chief has noticed that the kilts of his soldiers are getting exposed in windy weather.

2. After that, he passed the order to wear pins along with kilts for every personnel who is supposed to wear a kilt.

3. This practice has spread even to the highlanders and has become an act of wisdom.

How to Properly Wear a Kilt Pin?

You can place the pin on the front apron approximately 2-3 inches up from the bottom hem and 2-3 inches in from the fringe of the lower corner. To wear it properly, make sure to place it on your right side. You also need to put the pin in a horizontal direction parallel to the bottom hem of the apron.

As per depth considerations, the pin should penetrate only the front apron of the kilt, never going through to the underlying layers. Lastly, the pin should only catch the threads of the tartan surface and not pass through the whole fabric.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Wearing Kilt Pins

You should avoid positioning errors like placing the pin too high near the waistband and to the centre because it belongs on the right side only. Also, consider structural mistakes like pinning through multiple layers of fabric, as it damages pleats, and using oversized pins because it contradicts the purpose of fastening clothes.

Keep in mind these tips to do perfect styling, reflecting Scottish culture and traditions perfectly through your attire.

Conclusion

The kilt pin, though small in size, carries the enormous weight of culture and history in each of its elements. These pins are not only kilt fasteners but also a bond between the vintage history of Scottish people and modern generations. It aligns them and reflects resistance and conformity to their cultural values.

The fusion of traditional kilt pins with contemporary skirts, kilts, maxis, or other dresses addresses functional purposes and helps you align with Scottish cultural values and family bondings.