14 Jan 2013 23 Comments
What is Under that Kilt?
Posted by Diana Belchase
Today, we’re pondering an age-old question: What is under that kilt? <G> And who better to answer it than my guest, Willa Blair, best-selling and award-winning author of Highland Healer. Her novel is the first in a series set in the 16th century Highlands, when the old ways and old talents still shaped events.
Willa says she always wished she had several psi talents, such as reading her husband’s mind, cleaning house by simply thinking about it, and flying. But alas, no. So she endows her characters with special talents and lives vicariously through them. Check at the end of this post to see how you can win a free copy of Highland Healer.
Diana: Thanks for being here Willa!
Willa: It’s great being back to splash around in the mermaid pond.
Have you ever wondered:
– why you never see a Scotsman shining his boots?
– or wearing patent leather shoes?
– why there’s no men’s Scottish gymnastic team?
Just what does a Scotsman wear under his kilt?**** (See answer below!)
Diana: Hang on. I’m still picturing a men’s Olympic gymnastics team performing in kilts. ::: Fanning herself:::
Willa: Me too. LOL. ::: Pressing cool glass of wine to her forehead::: Okay, I’m back.
In the beginning…there was fabric. Yards of it. So much that some wearers spread it out on the ground, pleated it, then lay down on it, wrapped it over themselves and belted it before getting up. Others simply wrapped it at a convenient length, belted it, and let the rest of the fabric fall behind them as a doubled skirt that could be pulled up into a cloak or tossed over one shoulder – the origin of the sash we’re familiar with today. Once the wearer took it off, it could be used as a blanket.
Diana: That’s sounds rather handy. Sort of like a functional man’s sari. <G>
Willa: That woolen fabric might have been a solid color, or any number of tartan (plaid) patterns. It took many years for clans to adopt a particular sett (pattern of colors and plaid) as their own. In fact, most were identified not by their tartan but by the type of plant or flower sprig they tucked into their bonnets, or by clan badges.
Diana: Goes to show you a guy can wear a skirt and flowers and still be manly. But that’s not how kilts look today, is it?
Willa: Not exactly. It wasn’t until the 18thcentury that the modern, tailored kilt came into use. It’s origins are unclear but more than likely it was developed for convenience and to present a neater appearance in regimental dress uniforms.
And all those bare-chested, brawny men we love to see on our book covers? Chances are they were wearing a léine – a thigh- or knee-length saffron-colored shirt – to keep warm. In fact, early Highlanders were reputed to remove their kilts prior to going into battle and run into the fray dressed only in that léine and their footwear. Oh, yes, carrying their weapons, too, of course.
Diana: Naked and blue?
Willa: Sorry, coloring their faces blue with woad wasn’t common. And it’s half-naked. They were wearing their shirts.
Diana: Another myth bites the dust. But the shirt and nothing below — hmm, just picturing that one, too.
Willa: Oh, and that hairy or leathery thing hanging in front? Ahem, ladies, it’s not what you’re thinking! It’s called a sporran – and came in handy since kilts don’t have pockets. Was its size intended to compensate for the size of anything else, as we suspect huge wristwatches and fast cars do? I’ll leave that to your imagination!
Diana: Any more imagination and we’ll be piling swooning women on the floor! So just what did they wear under that kilt?
Willa: Their shoes and socks, of course! ****
Diana: (After picking her prostrate body off of the carpet) Thanks for visiting Willa. Readers, answer the question: What type of male garment thrills you the most? One lucky response will win an e-copy of Willa’s bestselling book, Highland Healer. To comment, please click on the word comment in the upper left corner of this post, just above the tweet balloon and under the date.
Here’s an excerpt from Highland Healer:
HE NEEDS HER FOR HIS CLAN.
HE WANTS HER FOR HIMSELF.
Toran Lathan never expected to become Laird, and never expected to meet a woman like Aileana Shaw. Her healing ability is just what his people need, but Toran cannot resist her beauty. Yet will loving him destroy her ability to heal?
Aileana Shaw has a healing touch – and a special talent she must keep secret. Stolen from her home by a marauding army, she’s kidnapped again by the Highland Laird she heals. Is she a prize of war, or the prize of his heart?
Jan 14, 2013 @ 07:51:42
Good Morning Diana and Willa! See, we’re all about education in this pond. I learned many new things just now and feel better for it. 😉 So excited for you, Willa, and Highland Healer. Wishing you many swooning readers! The type of male garment that thrills me most? Hubby’s army uniform. Sigh.
Jan 14, 2013 @ 11:05:50
Diana and Willa,
What a fun and informative interview! I kinda like the old ways better than the new, improved and cleaner-cut kilts. There’s just something rather untamed and wild and sexy about those old ones. 🙂 My favorite garment on a man in books will always be the kilt. Always. 🙂
Good luck with your book, Willa! We love having you in the mermaid lagoon!
All men in kilts are welcome as well–although those kilts might get a little wet.
Jan 14, 2013 @ 11:40:15
Hi Willa and Diana,
Even since Liam Nesson wore a kilt in the movie Rob Roy, I’ve been a fan of the man skirt.
Jan 15, 2013 @ 00:41:46
I’m a fan of Liam Neeson in just about anything.
Jan 14, 2013 @ 12:33:01
Thanks, Mermaids. It’s great to be back in the pond! Carlene, I’m with you – my dh looked great in his uniform, too!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 14:22:01
Thanks, Diana. It’s great to be here!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 12:34:12
I loved the lesson in Scott guy wear. A did know about the sporan, actually. What male garment turns me on? I love seeing dh in a tuxedo. He looks so sharp.
Jan 14, 2013 @ 12:35:56
Very fun interview and way to start a Monday off right! I will enjoy these mental images the remainder of the day – YAY!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 14:24:07
Sasha, I’m happy to kick off your week in a fun way. Enjoy!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 14:27:18
Lol! Ladies, this was such a fun interview and so informative, too! Great job, Diana, and we are so thrilled to have you back in the pond, Willa! Your book sounds intriguing, and I wish you the very best luck with it!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 14:39:00
There’s nothing better than a discussion about men in kilts! Thanks for making my day brighter! 🙂 Right up there with a man wearing a kilt would have to be a man in a tailored suit. So elegant and classy. *sigh*
Jan 15, 2013 @ 00:43:01
You’re welcome, Juli. And yes, a great suit is hard to beat – or a tux!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 15:51:27
Boxer briefs all the way, baby!
Great interview, ladies! Welcome back, Willa!
(No need to enter me in contest – I already have a copy of the book.)
Jan 14, 2013 @ 17:28:25
What a treat–an informative interview that’s also hilarious. I laughed out loud. Personally, I think the kilt is really attactive. The older British royal men –Charles and Phillip–wear them when at Balmoral. William has refused to wear one, so –alas–the tradition may die out. Sean Connery in a kilt is my idea of drop-dead gorgeous. Daniel Craig,not so much. Willa, you’re fabulous. Looking forward to more of you on Mermaids.
Jan 14, 2013 @ 18:35:56
I don’t know about you, but I think wearing a kilt makes a man look confident!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 18:38:08
Thanks, Mermaids! And you, too, Toby. You’re so good to me!
Jan 14, 2013 @ 21:27:34
You Mermaids are my lucky charms! Besides visiting with you today, I got a new chair for my desk, the print copies of my book in the mail, and an email confirming me in RWA’s PAN! Yay! How do you do your maginc?
Jan 14, 2013 @ 23:28:16
These waters run lucky 😉
Jan 15, 2013 @ 09:27:41
Of course you’d have to say that, Carlene! You with all the luck! LOL
Jan 16, 2013 @ 18:14:22
Thanks for reminding me, Kim. I have to remember to touch my ticket to her in April!
Jan 15, 2013 @ 00:49:44
Hi Diana and Willa! man you two are hilarious. I will have to remember not to be drinking water while reading posts from now on.
I’d have to say the kilt my god men in kilts are hot! Must be my Scottish hairitage coming out! Willa I’m looking forward to reading your book It sounds awesome!
Jan 15, 2013 @ 01:36:40
Thanks, Steph! Me, funny? You must be thinking of Diana. *G* I hope you like HIghland Healer!
Jan 15, 2013 @ 11:58:02
I put the names in a basket, stirred them all up…and the winner of an ebook copy of HIghland Healer is….Steph! Steph, please email me at authorwillablair@gmail.com to get your prize!