Plant Badges

**Tobus** · 25th January 10, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Semiomniscient

HAHA! I'm in Louisiana and I'd look like some kind of goober with a big ole' magnolia stuck in my bonnet. But for those whose state flowers are of reasonable size, I think this is a great idea, especially if you are in your state's tartan.

I hadn't thought of that. If I do end up with a State of Texas bluebonnet tartan kilt, a bluebonnet (our State flower) would look very nice indeed.

Thank goodness you folks came up with that idea. Before that, I was contemplating how to affix a prickly pear cactus to my bonnet.

**Old Hippie** · 25th January 10, 01:22 PM

Well, fortunately -- or unfortunately, if you're an oak tree -- mistletoe is ubiquitous. Whomever came up with Clan Hay's badge got lucky. That said, aside from the fact that I can pick up fresh mistletoe at least once a year when it goes on sale in stores at Christmas, there's lots of plastic versions.

So I'm set, neener, neener.

I would like a reproduction of the gold, green enamel and pearls brooch I saw illustrated in Moncrieffe's book, in the Hay section. Hadn't thought about that for years. Either as a cap badge or as a kilt pin it'd be a stunner.

Of course, I also have the silk dandelion -- reminder of the Passing of the Torch kilt night in Victoria.

**KiltedChief** · 25th January 10, 05:18 PM

Oak leaves the plant badge of Clan Cameron.

**Standard** · 25th January 10, 07:28 PM

Illinois: Purple Violet and Big Bluestem Prairie Grass. Might not look too bad, but the Big Bluestem would sure stick up out of my bonnet!

**Bigkahuna** · 25th January 10, 10:42 PM

If I am not mistaken, I believe that some State Plants are illegal to pick.

**figheadair** · 26th January 10, 01:48 AM

At the risk of being provocative I would ask why on earth you would want to wear a plant badge? It’s a practice virtually unknown in Scotland and (now here’s the provocative bit) has no historical basis as s way of identifying friend from foe. This tradition is part of the C19th historical revival. I’m not saying that clans might not have had plant emblems, these probably date back to a proto-Celtic period, but they certainly could not have been worn as some form of identification.

**Bruce Scott** · 26th January 10, 03:05 AM

Originally Posted by figheadair

At the risk of being provocative I would ask why on earth you would want to wear a plant badge? It’s a practice virtually unknown in Scotland and (now here’s the provocative bit) has no historical basis as s way of identifying friend from foe. This tradition is part of the C19th historical revival. I’m not saying that clans might not have had plant emblems, these probably date back to a proto-Celtic period, but they certainly could not have been worn as some form of identification.

Next you will be telling us there is no historical basis to Clan perfumes:
http://www.aromasciences.com/clan-perfume.html

**figheadair** · 26th January 10, 03:23 AM

Originally Posted by Bruce Scott

Next you will be telling us there is no historical basis to Clan perfumes:
http://www.aromasciences.com/clan-perfume.html

The only one worth anything is Skin So Soft - excellent anti-midge perfume.

**JSFMACLJR** · 26th January 10, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by figheadair

At the risk of being provocative I would ask why on earth you would want to wear a plant badge? It’s a practice virtually unknown in Scotland .

Why not wear one? I frequently put a sprig of holly on my bonnet because--are you ready?-- I LIKE THE WAY IT LOOKS.

Brigadoonery or not, plant badges do have the place in Highland dress, and while the practice might be, as you say "virtually unknown in Scotland," many clansmen do wear them at gatherings and games. I can give you all sorts of evidence of this, but I don't think it will win you over!