Tartans represent a very ancient type of textile weaving associated with the Celtic peoples of Europe and have been excavated at sites in Central Europe and Central Asia. These woolen plaids use various colors woven into bold, crisscross patterns. Their differing designs are often identified with certain clan and family lineages.

The State Tartan began as an idea of the St. Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles. It is based on the tartan of the family of the noted Scottish naturalist John Muir (1838-1914), who championed California’s natural environment. Its pattern is original enough to be registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority as its own design (number 200111). It is meant to honor Scottish, Irish, and Celtic Americans’ contributions to California. The State Tartan may be claimed by any resident of California.

(Assembly Bill 614, Chapter 100, 2001)