Plant Badge: Heraldry for common Scots

[Phil]

Actually there are two different Bell families- those from around Loch Tay are generally regarded as a sept of MacMillan; the border Bells are a different family, and their last recognized chief -- whom, I am led to believe, was so styled in 17th century Scottish legal documents -- was "Bell of Blacket House".

I, for one, wouldn't be too quick to sneer at those "emigrants overseas"-- they spend a lot of money in Scotland, as evidenced by the recent Gathering of the Clans (and I suppose "Border Families", too). And while it is true that the border families didn't historically wear kilts, one shouldn't loose sight of the fact that the kilt has become the national dress of Scotland. That being the case, it would seem only reasonable to accept that it is a fit and proper thing for border families to adopt wearing the kilt -- and designing their own tartans-- if they choose to do so.

I can't see where anybody should have a problem with that.

Who's sneering? I was simply stating a fact.

[macwilkin]

Who's sneering? I was simply stating a fact.

Not exactly, though, Phil -- the "promotion" of Lowland families to Clans wasn't just due to "emigrants overseas", but also to the Lord Lyon and the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, and while there are some "colonial" chiefs, the body itself is Scottish.

If you look on the council's web site, you will see a number of Lowland and Border names represented: Kerr, Johnstone, Elliott, Moffat, etc.

One could even argue that the Lowland Regiments played a role in this transformation, with their use of pipers in Highland kit.

Regards,

Todd

[Matthew Siegmann]

Hmm... Clan Keith has the white rose as the plant badge... I found a website that makes the pin with the herldric design of the white rose, but I wonder how I'd get a white rose in my bonnet? Any thoughts?

~Matthew

[JSFMACLJR]

Hmm... Clan Keith has the white rose as the plant badge... I found a website that makes the pin with the herldric design of the white rose, but I wonder how I'd get a white rose in my bonnet? Any thoughts?

~Matthew

Just pick one with a stem about three inches, and put it behind the cockade ( just push the stem down between the stitching ).

[piperdbh]

Just pick one with a stem about three inches, and put it behind the cockade ( just push the stem down between the stitching ).

...and when you get home, hang the rose upside down in the dark for a while so it can dry. You can then use it again for something else.

You could also use a silk rose.

[jordanjm]

Boxwood is another clan plant badge.

[ThinBlueLine]

Hey all,

Here is a list of clans with their plant badges. I can not confirm the authenticity of this list but the data appears to match the few clans that I know about.
http://www.scottish-wedding-dreams.com/clan-plants.html

[Chas]

Anstruther ~ sprig of Olive

They have olive trees in the Highlands?

Regards

Chas

[Matthew Siegmann]

They have olive trees in the Highlands?

Regards

Chas

That is amusing to read. However, from what I understand (and correct me if I'm wrong) most, if not all, plant badges for Scottish clans were chosen for some symbolic reason, not because they were something found locally in Scotland. Most cultures of the western world believe the olive sprigs and branches mean peace, or the offering of peace.

That's still funny to think about though.

~Matthew

[JSFMACLJR]

They have olive trees in the Highlands?

Regards

Chas

Is it the fruit bearing type of olive, or the Elaeagnus angustifolia or Russian Olive? They are quite widespread.