Feathers and plants

[Jock Scot]

What about the dandelion?

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

Some flowers are illegal to pick in some places. In Ontario, the provincial flower is the White Trillium. There is a steep fine if you pick one.
Check before you pick!!
Sara

[Bugbear]

All very well and good, except for the poor Kansans, whose state flower is the sunflower. They would get crooked necks from wearing it.

Don't forget the arizona state flower: the Saguaro cactus Flower.

And I think the dandelion would be just... dandy.

[dfmacliam]

Okay, I have known about the significance of the eagle feathers, but what about pheasant feathers I have seen worn?

[Scotus]

The term "sept" is completely correct in Scottish usage

This is true. This is why our clan society (Clan Cumming, USA) doesn't use this term; rather, we say, "names traditionally associated with Clan Cumming." I know that takes a lot longer to say than, "sept," but it's more correct.

And... Todd... I think you'd look quite grand with two eagle feathers in your Balmoral at our next clan gathering. Just kidding, I had never heard of this before either.

[wyldathart]

I always thought it was kudzu....

*laughs

I entertained that very thought, I'm sure it would get comments good and bad LOL

[wyldathart]

Okay, I have known about the significance of the eagle feathers, but what about pheasant feathers I have seen worn?

I second that question. I've seen pheasant, peacock and other sundry types of feathers, does it matter what bird the feathers come from ?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The whole purpose behind the wearing of eagle feathers was to enable clansmen to quickly identify their leaders in the field.

According to long established custom, eagle feathers are indicative of rank:

A chief is entitled to three eagle feathers.
A chieftain* is entitled to two eagle feathers.
A gentlemen (one who is armigerous) is entitled to one eagle feather.

*Feudal barons, following the old custom, often wear two eagle feathers as indicative of their feudo-military status within their clan. Anciently, in times of crisis, a baron was able to muster every able bodied man in his barony for military service, irrespective of clan affiliation. As a result a baron would often be able to field more "swords" than a chieftain and thus took on the status of "commander" of men within the clan. As a "commander" on the field the baron, like a chieftain, wore two feathers for purposes of identification.

As eagle feathers are restricted by custom to the above group of gentlemen (and ladies!) they should not be worn by others. Pheasant feathers, turkey feathers, peacock feathers, and the feathers plucked from your pillow can be worn by anyone wishing to decorate their bonnet, although good taste suggests that one should not emulate the grouping of feathers representing chiefs and chieftains (or barons).

[Bigkahuna]

What about the dandelion?

Aye!!! I'm with Jock Scot on this one.

[pdcorlis]

I may not even be worthy of a dandelion... but I like your style Jock.