Eric Hobsbawn's Analysis

What is tradition? Is all tradition invented?

In terms of the dictionary definitions, an invention is the process of creating something that is entirely new whilst a tradition is a belief or behaviour passed down within society over generations which links it to the past.

In Eric Hobsbawn’s ‘inventing traditions’, he combines these two definitions and states, in a broad sense, that most of the traditions that appear to be old in its origins are often more recent in invention than one might suspect. He states that new traditions can be grafted from old ones or come about through the use of borrowing – i.e. old materials are adapted or improved. In summary, according to Hobsbawn, the concept of ‘invented tradition’ is to present something

Therefore, most if not all ‘traditional’ societies/movements are not entirely traditional as they might portray. Ironically, many traditions are invented to suit the modern times.

Why does Trevor-Roper claim that the whole concept of a distinct Highland culture is retrospective invention?

Trevor-Roper claims that: “the concept of a distinctive Highland culture and tradition, in its entirety, is a retrospective invention” because he believes that the highland culture is a modern development/invention of Scottish national tradition and culture. To further substantiate this claim, Trevor-Roper describes how most of these highlander traditions were invented and were done so in order to promote a sense of Scottish unity.

In “The Invention of Tradition: The Highland Tradition of Scotland, Trevor-Roper argues that the culture of the Highlands was an imitation of Irish culture. He reveals that the kilt is not a historical form of Scottish dress and that Scottish national identity/highland culture is far more recent than what it is believed. Consequently, Trevor-Roper makes these claims to show that the ‘distinct’ Highland culture is actually a retrospective

Therefore, in this case, clothing is an important indicator of identity as it represents the culture of the Scottish people and their pride – the dress enabled them to express their national identity as well as show off their new independent tradition.

Why is the kilt so important to Scottish identity?

According to Hugh Trevor Roper in the ‘invention of tradition: the highland tradition of Scotland” the wearing/adorning of the kilt nowadays forms an integral part of how the Scotchmen portray their national identity. The style: colours and pattern, of the said tartan kilt is indicative of the ‘clan’ to which they belong. In addition to the adornment of the kilt, the bagpipe, an instrument played by the Scotchmen, is used. The role of the bagpipes is just as important as the kilt in addressing and expressing their national identity. The Kilts are a supposed sacred symbol of patriotism and honour.

4. What aspects of the Highland tradition were