Let's talk cromachs

[budd4766]

Don't know much about cromachs...hadn't even heard the term before reading this thread...but, if you're interested in a good 'stik' for hiking, defense, etc., take a gander at these:

http://www.bubbastik.com/stafs.cfm

I'd call it the Southern U.S. version...

I discovered the cane version while recovering from a motorcycle accident, and loved it. That mule hame has some heft to it, and would make a nice dent in an aggressor's head if needed..

[Drac]

Nice.

[thescot]

I'm pretty sure that the cromach grew out of a standard shepherd's crook, getting fancier and famcier with time. Modern cromachs seem to be mostly for looks although they are very good as walking sticks.

There are few things more useful or more satifying than a good walking stick of any kind. My own favorite is shown here--you can see it pretty well; it's a standard cromach coming to mid-chest:



For hiking or just walking the neighborhood, I use much more rustic sticks, usually a longer one that allows for good balance as well as defense against stray animals, ogres, and miscreants of various stripe. None of them were expensice, but each has its own history, and I love the feel of the wood in my hand.

I also have several "canes" for walking sticks that I use for walking when the old gout or my back is acting up. One is a metal Bridges with a brass handle, several are of wood with the standard Fritz handle; one is an all-wood standard curve and that is quite rustic but functional.

But don't you love that cromach?

[Micric]

Cromachs;

I always thought they were made (mostly) of hazel.
Hazel is nice and light, and grows straight, but not much use for belting things!

I admire Jock, for having the same cromach all these years!!............It shows an uncommon amount of restraint!

When I first saw Jock's cromach, my first thought was, ... "You haven't been around cows too much, have you!?!"

A ground ash, or hawthorn or blackthorn make a better stick if it might be used for hitting things, IMO!

The traditional use of a cromach is for hill walking, and many an old house had spare ones for guests to use.
One thing not mentioned up to now, is how handy they are for steadying the telescope when glassing the hill.

[CaseyB]

That mule hame has some heft to it, and would make a nice dent in an aggressor's head if needed..

This is only slightly off topic, but worth checking out!
http://www.real-self-defense.com/unb...-umbrella.html

[MacBean]

Here's an inspired possibility for Clan Claus

[BoldHighlander]

Here's an inspired possibility for Clan Claus

Nice!

[figheadair]

I doubt very much if there are any pre-Victorian references and suspect these belong in the same C19th historical box as plant badges and eagle feathers.

Yes, they are basically a shepherd's crook but I think that there was a Victorian 'adoption' of the bishop's crosier as being symbolically equivalent; the rationale being that like a bishop, the chief is the shepherd of his flock (clan).

[Tobus]

I doubt very much if there are any pre-Victorian references and suspect these belong in the same C19th historical box as plant badges and eagle feathers.

Yes, they are basically a shepherd's crook but I think that there was a Victorian 'adoption' of the bishop's crosier as being symbolically equivalent; the rationale being that like a bishop, the chief is the shepherd of his flock (clan).

So then a cromach is indeed a status symbol of sorts? I have seen photos of Highland gatherings where almost everyone had one (including the younger lads), and I can't figure out where the cromach fits in with other accessories which seem to be fairly well defined and have rules or traditions associated with them. The cromach seems to be mostly ignored, though, in explanations of how to dress.

I think you're absolutely right that cromachs didn't appear until well into the Victorian era (or perhaps even later). I wish someone would put together a historical study of their history and their introduction into Highland day wear.

[Chas]

I have a theory - of sorts.

Part 1 - A male's shoulders slope, some more than others. There are very few caucasian males whose shoulders do not slope to some degree.

Part 2 - A day plaid is folded lengthwise twice and is usually carried over the left shoulder so that it is equidistant, front and back. We talk about it being worn, but in truth it is carried.

Parts 1 and 2 together - A day plaid carried on a sloping shoulder will start to slide off almost immediately. There are many pictures on this site showing men holding the plaid in place with their left hand.

If a man carries a cromach in his left hand, it lifts his shoulder up, reducing the slope.

My theory is that the use of the cromach, for any purpose other than sheep herding, is linked to the use of the day plaid - the Scotsman need the one so he carried the other.

Not much of a theory, as theories go, but it is mine and for the moment I am quite proud of it.

Regards

Chas