At the 1953 Truro exhibition, the Nova Scotia Sheep Breeders Association wanted to create an eye-catching display that would show women in rural areas the many ways wool could be used. An eight by fourteen foot scenic wool mural was commissioned to serve as a backdrop for the display. Designed by Bessie Murray, the head of the Halifax Weaver's Guild, the mural created quite a stir at the exhibition.
Well it wasn't the whole mural that created the stir.
It was a lonely wee Scotsman in the upper right corner that did.
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Well actually it wasn't the lonely wee Scotsman himself, but something he was wearing that created the stir.
He was wearing a kilt.
Well it wasn't the kilt itself that was creating the stir, but rather the tartan of the kilt.
Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland. In a province full of Scots from many different clans, Bessie agonized over what tartan to use on his kilt.
How was she to depict a Scotsman in full regalia without offending one group or another ?
Her solution was a stroke of brilliance. She'd invent a new tartan just for the wee Scotsman.
Pale blue and white, were included for the surf-ridden sea, green was there for our forests, red was there for the Royal Lion on the Coat of Arms of Nova Scotia and lastly gold was included to remind us of the Province's historic Royal Charter.
What Bessie never imagined, was how many people would notice the new tartan: notice it, and want it.
In true fairy tale fashion, the tartan was embraced with affection and thanks to a groundswell of support, Nova Scotia became the first Canadian province with its very own official tartan.
If you fly into Halifax's Stanfield International Airport you will be welcomed by greeters sporting Nova Scotia tartan vests.
And if you're very lucky, you just might spot a similarly clad lobster !
I didn't know that! I love NS tartan - living in Pictou County there are plenty of tartans to be seen - but being married to a LeBlanc from NB we stick with the NS one :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Nancy. I love learning new stuff about my adopted province.
DeleteAn interesting story to say the least. Actually impressive. A new tartan to the rescue made by a very creative lady.
ReplyDeleteIt's a marvellous story isn't it ?
DeleteIt's a fabulous story Sybil and I have learned something too...I thought Canada was a French country and hadn't realised there are many Scottish people there too! Joanne.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, Canada is a real "melting pot" of cultures. We are an officially bilingual nation (English/French) but most of the French speakers are in the province of Quebec.
DeleteWho would have thought? I like the colors and the designs. The only times we've seen someone in a kilt is at the 4th of July parades. Do you have something you wear with this design?
ReplyDeleteMy brother got married a couple of years back wearing a kilt. I don't have anything with the Nova Scotia tartan but Trey has a bandanna. I don't know why I don't, coz they sell scarves, mitts, ties, blankets, all sorts of stuff.
DeleteWhat a wonderful story, how Nova Scotia got its tartan! I had no idea that NS had its own plaid! Some of my husband's ancestors fought in a Scottish Loyalist regiment in Virginia during the Revolutionary War and were given land in Nova Scotia after they were defeated, as a reward for their service. I will have to see if I can find something made with this tartan for him... The lobster wears it well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Barbara, email me if you need help finding the tartan. You can get the scarves quite easily here. I'd be happy to help make it happen.
DeleteThank you, Sybil! I will email you if I get stuck trying to order one from here.
DeleteHow long has the lobster been at the airport? I've never seen it.
ReplyDeleteAs you are about to head through customs, if you turn back you'll see him. I think you can't see him normally coz he's on the back side of the elevator (?) in the food court.
DeleteWhat a wonderful story of creativity ! I love the way you are telling it too. Looong ago I used to work as an au-pair in Scotland. I bought myself a lovely quilt skirt with a particular tartan pattern in the blue/grey/white shades. Don't remember the name of the tartan though. My "adoptive" family was happy and said I looked Scottish now ;)
ReplyDeleteWow. Thanks for your kind words. Bet you have some interesting stories about your time in Scotland !
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sybil :-)
ReplyDeleteTruth to tell I really like that tartan and I've seen people wearing it but didn't know its history...what a fascinating story! 1953 eh?
Thanks Rosie, I like the tartan too. Yep, 1953.
DeleteMy neighbor Cora grew up in Nova Scotia and is always telling me wonderful stories about her childhood. Now I have one for her! Bessie Murray is very wise.
ReplyDeleteI is a lovely story, isn't it ?
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