Symbols of Canadian identity : the iconography of plaid flannel shirts in Canadian popular culture

I will examine the use of symbolism in the creation and maintenance of Canadian identity and culture, focusing on the development of one pervasive symbol of Canadian identity: the red plaid flannel shirt. This item of clothing has symbolized Canadian identity since long before Canada officially became a country in 1867, being a cultural icon of the Scottish immigrants who came to Canada during the 18th and 19th centuries. As an official uniform, the tartan of the Scottish soldiers who fought, and were defeated by, the English armies in the 18th century Jacobite Rebellions, became an emblem of independence and determination that was adapted and adopted as a symbol of personal freedom in early and modern Canadian literature and cultural life. Today, one of the hallmarks of Canadianness is the ability of Canadians to view themselves with a sense of humour, and so the red plaid flannel shirt has evolved into a symbol of gentle self-parody, a character trait that has achieved international recognition.