The trews, the fielaghmor, etc.

From: Bryan J. Maloney (jacobus@sonata.cc.purdue.edu)
Date: Sun 27 Feb 1994 - 00:10:04 EET


Well, as I recall from reading and personal experience:

The filiedhmor (great kilt/great wrap) was the typical daily dress of the
Gaels most of the time--in work and in war. The Trews were worn in cold
weather, either by themselves, or just as commonly WITH the kilt. They
were also worn whenever the hell you felt like it.

My personal experience with a great kilt (a LARGE one--six yards long) is
that one can easily run, jump, lift, work, etc in the garment. Climbing
is pretty easy, too. The upper parts also have the advantage of being
useful as a bag, as a cloak, as a wrap for your musket in rain, etc.
Finally, the great kilt was also used by the Gaels as their blanket when
they slept.

Fighting poses no problem in this garment, either, so long as it is properly
belted and pinned (or tied or tucked).

Has anyone on this list besides me ever actually WORN a great kilt for any
length of time?

PS: I am not referring to the filiedhbeag, or little kilt, which is what
most people see when they see a kilt. This monster was invented in the 1720's
by an Englishman. I refer to the traditional Gaelic wrap garment, which does
not have a single stitch made in it and is made out of sevaral yards of
fabric--a single piece.

0,,


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