Plant Badge: Heraldry for common Scots

[ThinBlueLine]

Hey all,

Would the general color of the plant used in the plant badge be used to denote the color of any stones used in brooches or other ornaments?

[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

My understanding is that Clan Plant Badges are a relatively modern invention and certainly long after the clan system had ceased to be.

Regards

Chas

[Jack Daw]

I can't get white heather, the plant badge for clan Macintyre, in Houston; so, if I'm wearing a bonnet, I shove a sprig from the holly bush outside my front door.

[Chas]

Hey all,

Would the general color of the plant used in the plant badge be used to denote the color of any stones used in brooches or other ornaments?

I don't think that follows. In general most stones are of the semi-precious type that are available from the highlands of Scotland.

Regards

Chas

[macwilkin]

Post deleted. Need more research.

T.

[ThinBlueLine]

Chas,

So is the stone choice mostly a matter of personal preference?

[Chas]

Chas,

So is the stone choice mostly a matter of personal preference?

I can't speak for others, but it is with me. I am having one of my brooches modified to include a stone that will match a specific tartan.

One good example is the 'Isle of Skye' tartan. There is no associated clan. It was only registered on the 1st of January 1992, so relatively modern. Amethyst stones work the best with this tartan.

Regards

Chas

[JSFMACLJR]

Chas,

So is the stone choice mostly a matter of personal preference?

Yes, pure and simple.

[O'Callaghan]

I am desended from French and Irish ancestors (among others). Does that mean I could put a french fry in my bonnet and call it a clan badge?

~~SSgt Baloo

AFAIK, French fries were originally Belgian.

[Bigkahuna]

I am desended from French and Irish ancestors (among others). Does that mean I could put a french fry in my bonnet and call it a clan badge?

~~SSgt Baloo

Why not?? Yankee Doodle stuck a feather in his cap and called it Macaroni!!!