The dandelion

[Burly Brute]

I am terrible with the search feature on this site, so here is my question.

Please, forgive my ignorance.

What is the origin of the dandelion being a signifier of xmarks membership? Was it chosen at random, or had innate purpose? Also, is it the yellow flowering dandelion or the weed that as a wee child one can blow the seeds e’erywhere?


Slainte, as always,

Zach

[piperdbh]

As best I can remember, the dandelion was chosen because of its resilience, its ability to flourish anywhere, its uncanny way of popping up in places where it is least expected, and because no clan or other association uses it as their badge.
Some of us have silk dandelions that we wear as cap badges, and some others use real live blooms which they pluck from the ground.
The yellow bloom form of the flower is the one we use as a badge, but there is no reason why the white-fluffy stage of the flower couldn't be used as well.

[sydnie7]

Here's the official announcement:
LINK

[Burly Brute]

...its uncanny way of popping up in places where it is least expected...

I like the sound of that! lol

Thanks guys! And I was planning on doing just that, plucking one out (if I can find one in this bleak desert) and wearing it in my coat pocket, but just got to wondering. Thanks so much!


z

[sydnie7]

I think Steve said he has some silk versions in the XMarks store, but I don't see them listed in that section of the forum. You could always give him a shout if you want the permanent type, or can't find them "in bloom."

[Riverkilt]

Perhaps because dandelions are everywhere and anyone can befriend them and with a little sunshine on a field of dandelions the inside of a kilt can assume a golden glow.

[Burly Brute]

Perhaps because dandelions are everywhere and anyone can befriend them and with a little sunshine on a field of dandelions the inside of a kilt can assume a golden glow.

Is this up by flag? Beautiful!!

[Riverkilt]

San Juan Mountains near Rico, Colorado and the Dolores River.

[Steve Ashton]

The story goes that in days past, before Clan Crest Badges, a clan member would wear a sprig of a particular plant in his bonnet so others could recognize his Clan membership.

Many Clans have adopted an official 'Clan Plant'.

X Marks is not a clan but many of us wear bonnets. We also need a way for us to recognize each other at Highland Games and other events.

As Dandelions are everywhere, hard to eradicate and easily recognizable we chose it as our forum plant.

If you are going to your local Games and don't yet have one of our Cap Badges for your bonnet it is a good bet that you can find a dandelion. You can use the yellow flower or the mature plant that has the seeds. You can use just the leaves.

Dandelions begin to wilt about 11.2 seconds after being picked so perhaps you would like a silk one.



I will get the information on how to order a silk Dandelion up in the store thread this weekend.

[xman]

Also, they make an excellent salad when picked early in the spring before they get bitter.