Finding a clan badge

[yoippari]

So since it denotes loyalty to a person (one that I will probably never meet) a clan badge would be inappropriate for me. I have no interest in joining any organization who I have to declare loyalty to. So perhaps instead of a clan badge would a christian badge work? Something like a fish in the belt and buckle? I figure it would probably have to be comissioned but as I said, I know someone who might do it cheap.

[macwilkin]

So since it denotes loyalty to a person (one that I will probably never meet) a clan badge would be inappropriate for me. I have no interest in joining any organization who I have to declare loyalty to. So perhaps instead of a clan badge would a christian badge work? Something like a fish in the belt and buckle? I figure it would probably have to be comissioned but as I said, I know someone who might do it cheap.

Not exactly. The Chief is the head (or father) of the clan (clan means "children"), so yes, you are displaying your loyalty as a clansman, but clan societies do not require to take an oath of loyalty to the chief when you join -- but yet, you are "loyal" to your family in honouring your heritage by wearing the clansman's badge. I'm afraid you're reading too much into it.

In the case of the Buchanans, as mentioned before, there is no chief to be "loyal" to, so the badge is worn in respect for the office of the chief, and the clan itself.

I suppose you could cast some sort of badge, but a more appropriate badge of a religious nature would be the badges with St. Andrew and his cross, since St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and his cross is featured on the Scottish flag.

Regards,

Todd

[An t-Ileach]

...The Chief is the head (or father) of the clan (clan means "children")...

Todd's right - literally the bloke we refer to as "Chief" is in Gaelic the ceannfine or "head of family/clan/etc".