Kilt Pin

**MacKenzie** · 8th May 14, 05:36 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

It's lovely, but I'm not understanding what it is. Part of it looks like an upside down cromach or crozier, one end morphing into a leaf?

I don't think it is anything other than what it is.

Fibula: 3.a metal brooch resembling a safety pin, often highly decorated, common in Europe after 1300 bc

Yes, at the top is an ash leaf. Which represents different things depending on which mythology/folklore you subscribe to.

http://www.rabenwaldms.com/index.php?p=detail&pid=16&cat_id=

**OC Richard** · 8th May 14, 06:07 AM

I guess I'm always looking for symbolism... an ash leaf growing out of an upside down Bishop's Crozier... there could be a whole myth about that!

**Nathan** · 8th May 14, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

I guess I'm always looking for symbolism... an ash leaf growing out of an upside down Bishop's Crozier... there could be a whole myth about that!

I'm with you. I think whoever had this made was thinking symbolically. It's just hard to know what they had in mind.
There are "Celtic zodiac/mythology" sites that have a lot to say about the symbolism of the ash tree. It's big and strong and tall etc...

The problem with this new age Celtic druid woo woo stuff is that they make unfounded claims about ancient beliefs and practices with no evidence of research or source materials. Similarly the shepherd's crook can mean: Christianity, leadership, Egypt/Masons, being in the wool industry etc...

It could even be that someone was really fond of their Ash Cromach.

**MacKenzie** · 8th May 14, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by Nathan

I'm with you. I think whoever had this made was thinking symbolically. It's just hard to know what they had in mind.

It's not hard at all if you go to the link I posted above and read what the maker of the brooch says about it.

Ash tree in Norse Mythology
yggdrasil is the Norse name for the tree of life, The giant ancient Ash tree that supports the world. It is said that the god Odin hung himself from this tree to gain the knowledge of the runes. As a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, it is a beautiful symbol to remind you of the things you have learned, and are yet to learn.

So there's your "woo woo stuff". For me, the piece just struck my eye and I thought it would make a unique kilt pin. And as Chas said:

Originally Posted by Chas

Hi Tech with a traditional look - I like it even more!

Whenever possible, I like to support artisans like Chris at Rabenwald and those that hang around here.