Balmoral bonnet and feathers...

[Bidule]

I would like to decorate a Balmoral bonnet with feathers. I read that eagle feathers were normally reserved for heads of clans. But what about other birds, pheasant, for example? Would it be sacrilege to wear feathers like this? And, if so, is it okay to wear them between the cockade and the badge? What do you think about it?

[Phil]

There is absolutely no reason why you should not stick some feathers in your Balmoral and the usual place for them is in the cockade. The only word of caution I would offer is to ensure that the feathers do not come from a protected species as you may then be liable to prosecution. There is no other reason to prevent you but you must bear in mind that some individuals have spent a lot of their money acquiring the notional right to wear feathers in this way and, as is human nature, will fiercely resent anyone doing it for free!

[gary meakin]

Just because you can do something doesn't mean you necessarily should.
Certain feathers are reserved for the clan chief.
Why would you want to accessorize like a chief and then have to explain to more than a few that you aren't a chief but have the right to wear what you want.
I think you would be inviting if not conflict at least unnecessary questioning.
I say wear a sprig of your clan's plant in your balmoral and avoid that unnecessary conflict.
(My free advice and probably worth just as much)

[Joshua]

Just because you can do something doesn't mean you necessarily should.
Certain feathers are reserved for the clan chief.
Why would you want to accessorize like a chief and then have to explain to more than a few that you aren't a chief but have the right to wear what you want.
I think you would be inviting if not conflict at least unnecessary questioning.
I say wear a sprig of your clan's plant in your balmoral and avoid that unnecessary conflict.
(My free advice and probably worth just as much)

^ This

[Thomas H]

What is the right way to wear a sprig in your hat of choice ? Do you just stick it behind your Clan badge or where? Thank you.

[Cygnus]

See this thread.

[Mael Coluim]

Bidule, why would you want a feather when you could have a dandelion?

I personally, would avoid any feather in my bonnet.

[piperdbh]

A pheasant feather shouldn't present any problem, but steer clear of eagle feathers or any feather resembling them. Does Belgium have a national bird? If so, a feather from it might be a nice touch.

[Harold Cannon]

Personally I have always wanted to have a bonnet done up like this.

[Cygnus]

A pheasant feather shouldn't present any problem, but steer clear of eagle feathers or any feather resembling them. Does Belgium have a national bird? If so, a feather from it might be a nice touch.

Actually, I believe there is a chief that wears pheasant feathers rather than eagle feathers, so you may want to steer clear of those as well.

If you must wear a feather, I'd recommend one that doesn't stick up much higher than the crown of your bonnet.