subject: History Has A Place For Aran Sweaters And Tartan Products [print this page] Ireland has its Aran sweaters as a part of its legacy. Popularly known as the fishermans sweater they are sold all across Ireland. It has been ascribed the name because of its origin in the Aran Islands in the west coast of Ireland. Traditionally these sweaters had complex stitch patterns and were white in colour. The fact that these sweaters are stiff and bulky has aroused doubts to whether they could have originally been worn by fishermen. However, what is certain is that the gansley sweaters, that they have been modelled on were a fishermans trusted apparel in the sea.
The stitching patterns are not only complex they are organised and have representative significance. Their interesting patterns are not just for aesthetic value, they have particular meanings and significance attached to them. The basket stitch signifies the hope of a plentiful basket catch for the fisher men. The diamond stitch like its name and shape refers to wealth and prosperity. The honey comb is representative of the hard working bee and the cable for good luck and safety. These patterns are also used for making other things like skirts, socks, scarves, vests etc.
The reason that they were the first preference of fisher men was that, they were knitted in such a way that the natural oils were retained. These oils made them water resistant up to some extent, thereby making them ideal for their work.
Initially Aran sweaters were hand woven and were usually knitted by the wives of fisher men. Now they are produced in factories but the same quality cannot be obtained by machines.
Like Ireland, Scotlands history also has an integral place for its traditional attire. The national representative dress of Scotland is made from Tartan. Tartan patterns were originally limited too wool but can now be seen on almost any material or fabric. Tartan is used to produce Tartan skirts, tartan bags, tartan table mats, mugs, tartan scarves and many other things.
Tartan skirts are available in many designs and colours. While they are still representative of Scottish Highland mens dressing, their appeal has transgressed boundaries of gender and nation. These skirts are very popular as winter skirts for women of different nations. Tartan scarves can also be used by both men and women and look equally good on both of them.
While there are definitive evidences for the significance of clan tartan, clan aran patterns are clouded with certain amount of doubt. After the eighteenth century the use of specific clan tartan patterns became definite in Scotland. As far as, the aran clan patterns are concerned, what can be concluded for sure is that there may have different patterns for different regions and families.
