Balmoral bonnet and feathers...

[Dale Seago]

Just my opinion:
If you do wind up wearing a feather, make sure it looks absolutely nothing like an eagle feather. (i.e., it should probably be long, slender, striped, and lay back along the hat rather than stand tall.)

I don't often wear a balmoral these days. If I do, though, I sometimes wear one of my parrot's scarlet tail-feathers on it (or if I'm feeling REALLY jaunty, one of the long black primary flight feathers from the tips of her wings). They being direct gifts from the lass herself, I have no qualms about that. No one has ever taken offense, and on more than one occasion I've been eagerly asked, "Do you have an African Grey?".

[Dale-of-Cedars]

I don't often wear a balmoral these days. If I do, though, I sometimes wear one of my parrot's scarlet tail-feathers on it ... and on more than one occasion I've been eagerly asked, "Do you have an African Grey?".

Likewise. I wear a mix of scarlet and maroon tail-feathers from my 2 African Greys in my Tilley Winter hat. Still looking for a proper bonnet though...

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Only a very few individuals who, by the customs of Highland society, are entitled to wear feathers wear them; even then the wearing of feathers is relegated to specific, ceremonial occasions. Strictly speaking, the decision as to who does -- or does not -- wear feathers rests with the chief of the clan, and the Lord Lyon has made this clear; the wearing of feathers does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Court of the Lord Lyon. It is the clan chief alone who decides who in his clan may, or may not, wear "tall" feathers.

Tall feathers, particularly in North America, are often indicative of awards of merit bestowed upon worthy clanfolk by their chief. While it is true that some de novo armigers wear a tall feather on any and all occasions, this presumption of a chiefly prerogative is based on the flawed assumption that tall feathers are some sort of heraldic right when, in fact, no such heraldic right exists.

[Woodsheal]

Only a very few individuals who, by the customs of Highland society, are entitled to wear feathers wear them; even then the wearing of feathers is relegated to specific, ceremonial occasions. Strictly speaking, the decision as to who does -- or does not -- wear feathers rests with the chief of the clan, and the Lord Lyon has made this clear; the wearing of feathers does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Court of the Lord Lyon. It is the clan chief alone who decides who in his clan may, or may not, wear "tall" feathers.

Tall feathers, particularly in North America, are often indicative of awards of merit bestowed upon worthy clanfolk by their chief. While it is true that some de novo armigers wear a tall feather on any and all occasions, this presumption of a chiefly prerogative is based on the flawed assumption that tall feathers are some sort of heraldic right when, in fact, no such heraldic right exists.

"Tall" seems to be the operative word. So, what about shorter, stubbier feathers tha would be worn simply as a jaunty decoration? I have some ruffed grouse tail feathers that are beautiful, and only about 5 inches long.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

"Tall" seems to be the operative word. So, what about shorter, stubbier feathers that would be worn simply as a jaunty decoration? I have some ruffed grouse tail feathers that are beautiful, and only about 5 inches long.

As long as the feathers don't give the casual observer the impression that one holds a position of authority within their clan, I'd tend to view the matter as a harmless affectation-- pretty much in line with the tiny feather one sometimes sees tucked into the hat band of an ordinary hat.

[Mael Coluim]

As long as the feathers don't give the casual observer the impression that one holds a position of authority within their clan, I'd tend to view the matter as a harmless affectation-- pretty much in line with the tiny feather one sometimes sees tucked into the hat band of an ordinary hat.

BOLD ADDED

Those tiny feathers in our fedoras and trilbies are significantly smaller than Woodsheal's 5" grouse tail feather.

It wasn't harmless to the bird!

On one of my cycling trips a few years ago, I picked up from the roadside a 7" vulture feather. It would give my bonnet quite a jaunty look, if I put it behind my crest badge. However, I prefer my dandelion that only one person has ever asked me why I have a chrysanthemum on my hat!

Many more have said to me, "I know you, you are Mael Coluim, however your pronounce it from XMarks the Scot, I recognized you by your dandelion." Happens frequently at the Highland Games here in Virginia, but has happened twice in Scotland!

[Bob C]

"Tall" seems to be the operative word. So, what about shorter, stubbier feathers tha would be worn simply as a jaunty decoration? I have some ruffed grouse tail feathers that are beautiful, and only about 5 inches long.

Wear 'em! I've got several blue jay feathers that I've collected while mowing my lawn and I plan to fashion them into something to wear on my Balmoral bonnet and/or my Tilley hat.

I've got a turkey tail feather, too, but it's long and would probably set off someone who has nothing better to do than mind my business. Not that I'm opposed to meeting such confrontations, but when I'm enjoying a festival or games with family and friends, I just don't need the hassle.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I've got a turkey tail feather, too, but it's long and would probably set off someone who has nothing better to do than mind my business. Not that I'm opposed to meeting such confrontations, but when I'm enjoying a festival or games with family and friends, I just don't need the hassle.

At least once or twice a year some "Chihuahua" will get in my face over my tall feathers-- I'm sure they are well-intended, even if totally ignorant of the "how comes and whys" feathers are worn. Like small yappy dogs I just ignore them.

In reality most folks who are entitled to the display of feathers rarely wear tall feathers, preferring instead to discretely ensign their crest badge with small silver feathers.

[JSFMACLJR]

In reality most folks who are entitled to the display of feathers rarely wear tall feathers, preferring instead to discretely ensign their crest badge with small silver feathers.

Or even just the plain circlet or the crest simplicitor!

[James Hood]

Hmm. Would "Bonnet Feather Police" make a truly one-off custom tee-shirt, or what...?