Freemasons Tartans
1 variationsEach tartan can have multiple variations, the most common of which are Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress
About tartan variations
- Ancient
- Modern
- Weathered
- Hunting
- Dress
Ancient Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans, mossy greens and sky blues, a more orangey red and some would say showing off the pattern to much greater effect as as the contrasts are much brighter than the Modern tartans. The pattern or sett remains the same across all variations of a single tartan, and only the shades or tones vary.
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Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Modern Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans. Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
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The Modern tartans are often the more subtle combinations such as the classic Black Watch Modern
Weathered Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer, more earthy colours typical of the Weathered tartans, reminiscent of bolder colours subjected to wind, rain and sunshine producing beautiful faded tones, olive greens and browns, and very light blues with reds that are more pink than red.
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Some mills refer to the Weathered tartans as Muted.
Hunting Tartan
The Hunting Tartans are the camouflage tartans and some clans don't have these variations because they are already predominantly green or brown and don't need amendment to blend in with nature's colours. The Black Watch or Gunn tartans are examples of these, whereas a tartan such as the Fraser is predominantly red and would not provide much cover for men out hunting.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
Dress Tartan
The Dress Tartans were designed as the name suggests for celebrations and highland dance. The sett or pattern of the tartan remains the same and the main colour is changed to white, or extra white is added to the pattern to give it a brighter, more "fancy" appearance. The Scots do like to bend the rules and occasionally instead of white thread, yellow is used and this is where the rather wild MacLeod Dress Modern and Barclay Dress Modern came from.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
From the start
Freemasons Tartan History
Origins
The origins of Freemasonry are a subject of historical debate, with theories tracing its roots to medieval stonemasons' guilds, operative masonry, and various other historical and legendary sources. While its precise origin remains uncertain, Freemasonry, as it is known today, gradually evolved from these earlier traditions, particularly during the late 16th and early 17th centuries in Europe. It transitioned from operative masonry (the actual craft of stonemasonry) to speculative masonry, focusing more on moral and philosophical teachings. Over time, it has developed into a fraternal organisation emphasising moral and spiritual values, rituals, and symbolism.
Legendary Jacobite Origins
There are historical claims and legendary tales suggesting connections between the Jacobite's and Scottish Rite Freemasonry. Some argue that elements within the Scottish Rite, particularly during the 18th century, sympathised with the Jacobite cause, which sought to restore the Stuarts to the throne. However, it's essential to note that concrete evidence of a direct and significant relationship between the Jacobite's and the Scottish Rite Freemasonry remains a subject of debate, with many aspects still unclear and disputed among historians. King Charles II, King of Scotland between 1649 & 1651 is sometimes associated with the early history of Freemasonry but historical evidence supporting this claim is limited and has caused much speculation.
Designer of the Freemasons' Universal Tartan
Anne Carroll Gilmour, designed the Freemasons' Universal Tartan, working on the design for over 3 years to get the colours just right. With family heritage rooted in Scotland, Ireland and Nova Scotia, Anne brought a deep sense of Celtic heritage to her work. Her passion for weaving was ignited during her childhood in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, leading her to win a prestigious national award at the Handweaver's Guild of America Exhibition in 2000. Anne presented three designs to the Grand Lodge of Utah. Members of the Grand Lodge and Masons from several lodges reviewed the options and overwhelmingly chose the final design.
“I designed this tartan for the benefit of the family of Freemasons and all of its charitable activities... Just as other tartans are designed to exhibit the unity of proud Scottish clans, the intent of the Freemasons Universal Tartan is to unify the brethren under a family emblem for Masons anywhere in the world.” - Anne Carroll Gilmour
Let's talk about the Masonic tartan...
The Freemasons Universal Tartan is a distinctive tartan designed in 2004 to represent the international fraternity of Freemasonry. The Grand Lodge of Utah sponsored the design which incorporates various Masonic symbols and colours, aiming to create a unifying symbol for Freemasons worldwide, irrespective of their individual lodge affiliations. The most prominent colours within the Masonic tartan are Blue and Purple. Blue represents the dome of the universe in Blue Lodge Masonry and purple represents Scottish Rite Masonry, York Rite Masonry, Job's Daughters International and many other Masonic organisations. The red stripe within the tartan creates a cross which carries with it a lot of the symbolism used throughout Masonry and the remaining colours of white, green black and gold are connected to many Masonic orders. The tartan serves as a symbolic expression of the global unity and common values shared by Freemasons and its goals to make this world a better place to live in.
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