Feathers?

**MacWage** · 27th June 07, 06:45 PM

As it was meantioned in the Harding thread, the eagle feathers (and ANY feathers that look like such) have VERY specific meanings and significance.

They're traditionally golden eagle feathers, with one being worn by an armiger, two by a chieftain, & three by the clan chief.

It would be "bad taste" to wear them if you are not the person RIGHTFULLY acknowledged to do so with the clan/heraldic regalia.
In Britain, it can even be a criminally punishable offense (under the "identity theft" idea).

In many cases, the ones who have the "rights" (legal recognition through Lord Lyon) to the feathers CHOOSE NOT to wear them, based on the situation at hand and what the person will be doing. To wear them marks that person with distinction as the representative of his clan and office, as well as of himself. WHATEVER he does wearing feathers reflects upon all of them. When he is "normally" dressed any embarassment is "personal" and reflective of the others in ONLY so much as he/she is recognized. One may also choose to forgo feathers to be incognito, as much as possible.

As for OTHER types of feathers, plumes, and the like. As long as they would NOT be mistaken for eagle feathers, go ahead. Remember, however, that for most modern "Scotiphiles" those feathers may be seen as gaudy, pretentious, and all sorts of other things.
Most Americans don't know the difference either way.

Personally, I would NOT wear anything "feathery" as it does not fit my personal tastes or styles. I also tend to not like gold (only my wedding band, some of my buckles, and the like). Usually my leathers are black and my metals are silver (which is personal tastes).

Now, the Tartan Army is not EXACTLY a group to look to regarding dictates on "proper" kilt or Scottish dress, mores, or fashion. Part of the fun of the Tartan Army is to look as gaudy and stereotypical as POSSIBLE.

**auld argonian** · 27th June 07, 06:51 PM

Stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni...

...never mind...I was just rambling...

But I think that the pheasant tail feathers would add a bit of dash to a bonnet...not the foot and a half long ones, of course...let's keep it reasonable.

Best

AA

**Don Patrick** · 27th June 07, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni...

...never mind...I was just rambling...

But I think that the pheasant tail feathers would add a bit of dash to a bonnet...not the foot and a half long ones, of course...let's keep it reasonable.

Best

AA

Conjures up a Tyrolean Hat in my mind. I've worn my share hiking in the Leiter alps on the Austrian border.

**Panache** · 27th June 07, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by MacWage

...Personally, I would NOT wear anything "feathery" as it does not fit my personal tastes or styles.

Well then you shall hardly be a worthy canidate for the Gascon Cadets...

Cheers

Jamie

**gilmore** · 27th June 07, 09:49 PM

The last I heard, since eagles are endangered species, wearing their feathers is a criminal offense in the US. People have been prosecuted for owning eagle feathers and body parts.

**Oatmeal Savage** · 29th June 07, 02:48 PM

There is quite a black market of eagle feathers, tail and talons here in Canada. It seems at least once a year eagle body dumps are discovered in the bush in B.C. I guess a pot leaf would be appropriate for B.C., although I wear a sprig of evergreen.

Originally Posted by gilmore

The last I heard, since eagles are endangered species, wearing their feathers is a criminal offense in the US. People have been prosecuted for owning eagle feathers and body parts.

**emolas** · 29th June 07, 03:03 PM

I don't know if the feathers and whatnot are still illegal in the US but the eagle itself is no longer endangered.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science...gle.delisting/

**MacWage** · 29th June 07, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by emolas

I don't know if the feathers and whatnot are still illegal in the US but the eagle itself is no longer endangered.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science...gle.delisting/

However, It is STILL protected specifically by laws that do effectively the same thing. Also, there are several types of eagles. I think there are a species or 2 that are not protected. I may be wrong, however.

**Riverkilt** · 30th June 07, 09:14 AM

What Gilmore said,

Even if the eagle just made it off the endangered species list I don't think that means they can be killed.

The exceptions to possession of eagle feather's being a crime is with Native Americans and living in "Indian Country" for the last 35 years I can tell you they are VERY VERY vigilant and become quite riled when they think a non-Native American has an eagle feather...I even gave up on the faux eagle feathers...

For Panache - Have you considered a macaw tail feather?? They are sold for Native American Church ceremony but I don't think the NAC members object to other uses....??

One of the trading posts here sells them if you've an interest.

They come in lots of colors....all bright!

Ron