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The Spirit of China Tartan, designed in 2008 through a creative union between the Scottish China Association and David McGill of International Tartans, weaves together threads of heritage and symbolism. Conceived during a gathering of minds in Edinburgh, where tradition met innovation, this tartan was destined to be more than a mere pattern. It has since become an emblem of diplomatic ceremonies and cultural exchanges.
Rich in meaning, the chosen colours are a nod to history and unity. The red and gold reflect the majestic Chinese Five Star Red Flag, where five golden stars shine as symbols of a nation bound together. The blue and white, drawn from the Blue Sky and White Sun national emblem, represent the passage of time—twelve rays, for twelve months and hours, standing as metaphors for progress and the eternal flow of life.
This tartan is more than a nod to China alone. The blue and white also echo the Scotland’s Saltire, weaving the shared history of two nations into a tartan. The Spirit of China Tartan is a tribute to the enduring connection between these two great nations – albeit one very small, as a timeless reminder of cultural bonds that span centuries and continue today through intercultural exchanges like the design of this tartan.