Ireland is a prominent country in wearing tartan kilts; in fact, it is the second largest country, following Scotland. Irish people wear their regional tartans, but most of them were assigned to different counties later, while saffron is the most conventional and traditional colour to be worn there. Have you ever thought about why they wear saffron dye? What is the symbolism of this particular shade in traditional dress? This article is meant to explore the answer to this query. Let’s begin with understanding what a saffron kilt is.
What Is a Saffron Kilt?
Saffron is a traditional Irish garment made in a solid yellow or golden colour. While a kilt is a knee-length attire with an open style having pleats on the backside. Both things merge to make Irish traditional dress known as saffron kilts. Unlike Scottish kilts that use tartan patterns, Irish saffron kilts are plain in colour, and this simplicity is what makes them powerful.
If we glimpse back in the history of these kilts, we find people wearing saffron kilts with long shirts called léine, which were often dyed using natural plant-based sources. The purpose of using this particular shade was not beauty only, but it had meaning, value, and status, and it still carries that legacy.
The Meaning of the colour Saffron in Irish Culture
Now that you are aware of saffron kilts in Irish culture, you should also know that this dye is not a random choice but has a specific message that talks about Ireland, not a specific county. In other words, we can say that saffron is a more valuable shade in Irish culture than others. So, what makes it more worthy? Let’s explore.
Saffron as a Symbol of Status and Respect
Though everyone can wear saffron kilts today, the story was different in ancient Ireland. This dye was expensive and difficult to produce. Everyone could not afford it then, and people with high value were used to wearing these kilts. Continuing the trend, Irish people wear these at formal events to symbolize status and respect in society.
Connection Between Saffron and Irish Nobility
Another fact is a strong connection between saffron and Irish nobility. According to early Irish laws, high-ranked people, especially the clan chiefs, only wore saffron kilts to highlight their ranks and influence on the family.
Spiritual and Emotional Meaning of the colour
Celts had a great influence on Irish culture, and colours were of great importance in Celtic culture. Saffron in Ireland today represents warmth, life, and light, and humans there are emotionally connected with this shade. In fact, the spiritual connection of saffron with Irish culture is what made them adopt this shade.
Modern Meaning of the Saffron Kilt
Many people who do not have concern about Highland colours ask whether the traditional and modern saffron kilts have the same meaning. Today, the saffron kilt carries meaning from both the past and the present. A saffron kilt today acts as a bridge between ancient Irish traditions and modern cultural pride. That’s why Irish people wear this clothing proudly at all formal events.
Whether you participate in festivals, parades, and cultural events, especially during St. Patrick’s Day, spotting saffron kilts is very common. On the other hand, many Irish people prefer it, as they find this colour authentic and deeply traditional. Saffron is also used in sports teams and cultural groups, where it represents unity, pride, and a shared sense of heritage.
How Saffron Became the National colour of Ireland
People often think that saffron became a national symbol overnight. The truth is not that because it earned its place through history, struggle, and tradition. As we know, the Irish national flag today features green, white, and orange, but saffron played an important role before the flag existed. It is the reason orange in the flag is often confused with saffron, but saffron was the first shade to appear.
Other than the Irish flag, saffron has a pure connection with Irish military uniforms and ceremonial clothing. Irish regiments often featured saffron elements to show national pride. This further strengthened the colour’s place as a national symbol.
Get Premium-Quality Saffron Kilts at Utility Kilt UK
Modernism has impacted every industry, including fashion, and the role of several stores, including Utility Kilt UK, has been quite notable. Thanks to their attention towards modern garment trends, saffron kilts are available in different forms of men’s kilts. We, ourselves, customize them all with high-quality material and sell them at very affordable prices. Some of our saffron kilts are mentioned below.
FAQs About Saffron Kilts
Why was saffron dye considered rare in ancient Ireland?
How did saffron dye production influence Irish trade in medieval times?
Are modern saffron kilts dyed the same way as historical ones?
Why is saffron more common in Irish ceremonial dress than daily wear today?
How has the global Irish diaspora helped preserve the saffron kilt tradition?
