The Story of...

THE KILT PIN

The story of the kilt pin: Before the reign of Queen Victoria, the Scottish kilt was worn without the kilt pin, now used to secure the fold-over on the right hand side. As a result, there were many embarrassing moments, especially if you wore the kilt in a high wind. The truth was that nothing in the nature of undergarments was worn with the kilt. On day, Queen Victoria arrived on a visit to Balmoral Castle, and reviewed the Gordon Highlanders. A stiff wind was blowing and one young soldier, at rigid attention, was unable to control the flapping kilt, and to avoid exposure on this important occasion. The Queen noticed his embarrassment and walked over to him. She removed a pin from her own dress, and leaning over, pinned the overlap of his kilt. And that -believe it or not- is the origin of the kilt pin, without which no kilted Scot would be properly dressed today.
By "The Echo" Great Lakes Clan Campbell Society.

There are lots of different types of kiltpins. These are a few of mine!




The Clan Crest Badge

Hamilton Clan Crest.

-Approved by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs

In ancient times, a chief wore in battle a distinguishing badge on his helmet, a device which his followers could recognize in the turmoil of action. This is known as the CREST OF THE CHIEF and appears at the top of his Full Coat of Arms. Anyone bearing the same name as a Scottish Chief, is a Clansman of the Chief and has the privilege of wearing his Crest surrounded by a STRAP AND BUCKLE GARTER to denote his Clan Allegiance.

The great Scottish Clans contain families who bear a different surname but were descended from the Chief through the female line. They are called SEPTS. Therefore anyone who has an ancestor bearing a Sept name or the Clann name itself has the privilege of wearing or displaying the Crest Badge and indeed only they may legitimately wear the authentic Scottish Ancient Device.




THE CLADDAGH RING

Green and misty fables surround the story of Ireland's unique symbol of love and friendship…the Claddagh Ring. Its tradition lies deep in the dark pools of the history of Galway, and ancient city of Tribes. Not far past the cobbled streets of Galway lies the village CLADDAGH . A true tale speaks of Richard Joyce, swept to slavery from the little fishing village of Claddagh; if time passing and the intervening years in which Richard became a masterly goldsmith who was eventually rewarded with freedom. When at last he returned to his beloved Claddagh he turned his fine skills to the creation of a jewel that would be renowned as an emblem of love and friendship: two hands cradling a crowned heart. Wear the ring on the right hand, the crown turned inwards and the world may see the heart is yet unoccupied. Worn on the right hand, the crown turned outwards, and it's clear that love is being considered. But when it's worn on the left hand, the crown outwards, two loves have become inseparable. Today this ancient fisherman's village is little more than a memory of the unique and idiosycratic people who maintained a sovereign settlement here. Remarkabily, the story of the Claddagh will likely be carried into posterity by the thing that bears it's name.

-Auther unknown.


The Irish Clutch pin Collection

Shamrock Pin:Most popular symbol of Ireland. It is said to bring the wearer good fortune and good luck.

Tara Brooch:One of the finest and oldest Irish brooches ever found. Dates back to the 8th. century.

Celtic Cross:Ancient Monument, dating back to the Celtic era.

The Leprechaun:Mythical character of Ireland. He will grant you three wishes if you can catch him

Keltic Legends

Cú Chulainn
Setanta was Ireland's first great hurling All-Star. Attacked one night by the King's ferocious wolf hound, he aimed his hurl and ball at the terrifying beast and with one deadly shot killed him instantly. From that night on, he became known as Cú Chulainn, the King's Guard.

The Salmon of Knowledge
Fionn was the lucky one who caught the Great Salmon of Knowledge on the river Boyne. Testing to see if the fish was cooked, he burned his thumb and was empowered with all knowledge of the world. This he used to become the greatest leader of Na Fianna.

Tir Na Nóg
Tir-Na-nOg means "THE LAND OF EVER YOUNG."
The mysterious land of the ever young became the home of Oisin who was whisked away by the beautiful Naimph on her magical white horse. In this place the days never turned to night, and love never turned to sorrow.

Children of Lir
The four beautiful children of King Lir were banished as swans to the wild oceans by their evil stepmother Aoife. After 900 years the sound of the church bells called them home. Blessed by St. Patrick, Aodh, Fiachra, Conn and Fionnuala were free of the evil spell.

Blarney's Stone
Blarney Castle, Co. Cork: Situated 7 km. from Cork City, the Castle is famous for it's Stone, which has the the traditional power conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word "Blarney" has found it's way into the English language and has been described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive, without offending. The famous Stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it, one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk.


THIS PAGE COMPILED DATE October,2004.
Added to, June 12, 2006

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