2 days ago
From India To Scotland: The Art Of Draping Tradition In Sarees And Kilts
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Andrew McAlindon shared a video comparing two iconic traditional garments: the Indian saree and the Great Kilt.
Sarees are a significant part of Indian culture, with each region showcasing unique styles and fabrics. There is something magical about this six yards of grace that has been the traditional attire for Indian women for decades. In a striking visual celebration of global heritage, a Scottish tour guide and content creator, Andrew McAlindon, better known online as Andy the Highlander, posted a video comparing two iconic traditional garments: the Indian saree and the Great Kilt.
Filmed against a picturesque backdrop, the Instagram video features Andy alongside two pieces of traditional clothing laid out on the grass—one black and patterned, representing the saree and the other an orange Great Kilt. He collaborated with his friend Harvinder Romi, who goes by her Instagram name @ to bring this thoughtful visual to life.
In the video, he further said that these national dresses are a symbol of identity, heritage and pride that are passed down through generations. 'No buttons, no zips, no stitching, just a single piece of fabric, pleated, folded and wrapped with skill and pride," he said. As the clip proceeds, Romi added, 'In Hindi, we say 'Vastra sirf kapda nahi hai, pehchaan hai' (clothes are not just fabric, it's identity)."
In the caption, he mentioned that although the garments come from vastly different parts of the world, they share cultural significance and deep symbolism. 'The Scottish Great Kilt and the Indian Sari may come from different parts of the world, but both are powerful symbols of cultural heritage. After I posted my first 'kilt video' I had lots of comments mentioning that there were similarities between the Great Kilt and the Sari, today we get to see them side by side!" he wrote.
He stated that these fabrics hold immense traditional and emotional value in their respective cultures. 'Filmed with my wonderful friend Harvinder @ these traditional garments are similar not just in how they're worn, but in what they represent. Both are unstitched lengths of fabric, draped and tied to the body. Both carry stories of resilience, identity, and ancestral knowledge passed down through generations, and both make you feel connected to something," he added.
As soon as the video was shared, several users flocked to the comment section to express their views. A user wrote, 'This is absolutely delightful!" Another added, 'So interesting and great to connect two cultures—we have more in common than different!" 'Glad you covered this actually! I've had people ask about comparing these two garments! Fantastic!" read another comment.
For the unaware, the Great Kilt or Feileadh Mòr, dates back to the late 16th-century Scottish Highlands. This iconic piece of Scottish attire was originally worn by Highland clansmen. Made from a single, huge piece of tartan fabric, usually 5 to 10 yards long, this garment is hand-pleated, wrapped and secured with a belt.
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