Macleod Tartan And All About This Clan

The Highland Scottish clan known as Clan MacLeod is connected to the Isle of Skye. If you are interested in Macleod tartan and its clan, continue reading this article.

The meaning of the name

MacLeod is a surname that denotes "son of Leod." An Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic name Leòid, which is supposed to have come from Old Norse, is the name Leòid. While mhic is the genitive of mac, the Gaelic word for "son," and Leid is the genitive of Leòid, Clann means "children of the family, progeny, descendants, clan." Therefore, the entire word "Clan McLeod" refers to "The offspring/descendants of the son of Leòid."

The history of the Macleod tartan clan

Leod, who, according to MacLeod mythology, was a younger son of Olaf the Black, King of Mann, is the ancestor of the Clan MacLeod of Lewis (r.1229–1237). A different genealogy for Leod, one in which he was not the son of Olaf but rather a third cousin (some distance away) of Magnus, the last King of Mann, has been proposed in articles that have appeared in the Clan MacLeod journal. These alternate histories make use of Christina MacLeod's family tree, who married Hector Reaganach (McLean/McLaine), a great-granddaughter of Leod. A

ccording to these articles, the female line of Helga of the Beautiful Hair was the connection to the Kings of Mann. The timing of Christina's genealogy and the ability to match it with well-known historical facts give the authors' claims a lot of credibilities.

Macleod Clan

According to MacLeod lore, Leod, who controlled Harris and a portion of Skye, wed a daughter of the Norse seneschal of Skye, MacArailt or Harold's son, who controlled Dunvegan and a sizable portion of Skye. According to tradition, Siol Tormod and Siol Torquil, the two primary lineages of the Clan MacLeod, were formed by Leod's two sons, Tormod and Torquil.

Torquil was actually Tormod's grandson; until the Mackenzies successfully toppled the Lewismen in the early seventeenth century, with some assistance from the Morrisons and the MacLeods of Harris, Torquil's ancestors controlled the lands of the Isle of Lewis (Siol Tormod). Younger Siol Torquil branches owned the Isle of Raasay until 1846, as well as the Assynt and Cadboll mainland territories for a longer period of time. In addition to the estates of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, Siol Tormod controlled Harris and Glenelg on the mainland.

Tradition has it that Leod passed away in 1280 and was buried on the holy island of Iona, where six further leaders of the clan afterward found their final resting place.

Clan crests

Clan Macleod members are allowed to display their allegiance to the clan leader by donning a crest badge. As it is typically available in variations, the most popular ones are old and modern. The Macleod of Lewis Dress Tartan Kilt is chosen from a variety of some of the most well-liked Macleod of Lewis Tartans.

Scottish MacLeod of Lewis Clan Crest Tartan Tapestry. Buy products here.

The clan chief's heraldic crest and motto are displayed on this crest badge. These components are the sole heraldic property of the chief, much like the chief's coat of arms. The motto is "Hold Fast," and the crest is blazoned with a bull's head caboshed sable, horned, or, between two flags gules, staved at first. Clan Macleod of The Lewes members is permitted to don a distinctive crest emblem that is based on the chief's arms.

Clan badges

Juniper Sprig

A juniper sprig may also be worn by Clan Macleod members as their clan badge. Clan badges are typically fastened to a lady's tartan sash or worn on a hat beneath the crest badge.

Dunvegan Castle

Dunvegan Castle

Clan MacLeod's traditional and current home is Dunvegan Castle. The ancient castle, which is situated on the Isle of Skye just outside of Dunvegan, was constructed for Clan MacLeod during the 13th century. The most recent modernization of the Castle took place in the 19th century when it underwent a complete reconstruction. The castle once stood by itself on an island, but it is now perched atop a rock beside the sea.

Clan artifacts

The head of the clan's residence, Dunvegan Castle, is home to a number of important relics. The Fairy Flag, to which many traditions ascribe its origins and purported magical powers, is arguably the most well-known. On three separate times, it was claimed to have had the ability to save the tribe when unfolded. The Dunvegan Cup, an Irish-crafted ceremonial cup composed of wood and silver that dates to 1493, is another treasure.

Clan artifacts

The Macleods are supposed to have acquired the cup sometime in the 16th or 17th century when they were supporting certain Irish chieftains who were at battle with forces supported by the English. Sir Rory Mor's Horn is a different relic that bears the name of the clan's fifteenth chief. According to clan custom, the male heir of the clan is required to down a drink from the horn all at once.

Clan Macleod tartan

Perhaps the most easily recognizable Macleod tartan is this one. It is sometimes referred to as "Loud MacLeod," MacLeod of Lewis, and MacLeod dress. However, it has no discernible ties to the Lewis Macleods and was initially connected to the Dunvegan clan.

Scottish MacLeod Clan Crest Tartan Sweatshirt. Buy products here.

Scottish MacLeod of Lewis Clan Crest Tartan Cap. Buy products here.

Scottish MacLeod of Raasay Clan Tartan Sneakers. Buy products here.

Scottish MacLeod of Harris Weathered Clan Tartan Tablecloth. Buy products here.

Scottish MacLeod of Harris Ancient Clan Tartan Slippers. Buy products here.

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