Feathers?

[Panache]

...Personally, I would NOT wear anything "feathery" as it does not fit my personal tastes or styles.

Well then you shall hardly be a worthy canidate for the Gascon Cadets...



Cheers

Jamie

[gilmore]

The last I heard, since eagles are endangered species, wearing their feathers is a criminal offense in the US. People have been prosecuted for owning eagle feathers and body parts.

[PiobBear]

It would be "bad taste" to wear them if you are not the person RIGHTFULLY acknowledged to do so with the clan/heraldic regalia.... As for OTHER types of feathers, plumes, and the like. As long as they would NOT be mistaken for eagle feathers, go ahead.

It would be well to keep in mind that "other feathers, plumes, and the like" frequently have their very specific meanings also. On 4 June 1795 a red feather was issued to every man in the 42nd Regiment, and has been worn on the bonnets of the Black Watch ever since as a battle honor commemorating their bravery on 4 January 1795, where during a rear guard action before Guildermalson, Holland, French cavalry routed the British picket line, capturing two field pieces. The 42nd Regiment immediately charged and retook the guns, dragging the cannon back to British lines by hand under heavy fire.

Following their strategic victory at Vimy Ridge on 9 April 1917 where the Canadian Expeditionary Force had captured more ground, more prisoners and more guns than any previous British offensive in two-and-a-half years of war, one of the most complete and decisive engagements of the First World War and the greatest Allied victory up to that time, Major-General Sir Arthur Currie, Commander of the Canadian 1st Division, told the Canadian 13th Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada that "not a battalion of The Black Watch could deserve better to wear the Red Hackle than this battalion." The red hackle has been worn by the Canadian Royal Highland Regiment ever since to commemorate that victory.

While I wear a hackle when with my pipe band as part of our uniform, I choose not to wear one when on my own; I simply haven't earned the right to wear it. When I am with my band, if anyone wants to know it's significance and history, I make sure that I have a cogent answer for them. To my mind, it's a matter of respect towards the culture and traditions we celebrate.

[emolas]

Looking at the images of the feathers at the Lord Lyon's site I notice they are all worn completely vertical and very neat. A large plume arching downward would look nothing like that...hmmmmmm interesting.

By the by

Matt,

"Eaglish?"



Cheers

Jamie

All I can think of is Robin Hood in the movie Time Bandits. He had that ridiculously long feather in his hat.

[beloitpiper]

Yeah, to comment on PiobBear, I only wear a hackle when I am with my pipe band. I asked this question originially because at the Chicago Highland games, I saw somebody with a long feather and wondered if they have significance. Bear in mind, though, that he was also one of the people dressed as if going to a Renn Faire, so I don't think he much cared for traditional dress.

[Panache]

All things considered we civilians should just stick with a plant sprig.

So about that official X Marks the Scot plant sprig, a white carnation? white rose? A thistle? .....



Cheers

Jamie

[beloitpiper]

I thought we decided barley...?

[davedove]

I thought we decided barley...?

Maybe alongside some hops?

[auld argonian]

Hops would certainly be distinctive.

Best

AA

[GlassMan]

I would say that one of the most definitive rules about feathers and highland gear is that a HUGE PINK FEATHER BOA

is DEFINITELY not something that goes with formal highland attire!