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History of
Scotland's Luckenbooth |
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During
the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries there were two main styles of brooch in
Scotland; one was the ring pendant, often with incised decoration, and used to
fasten plaids by both men and women. This design was called a Pennanular. The
other pendant was a heart shaped one, often given at weddings and engagements as
a token of love. |
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From
the eighteenth century onwards, small plain heart shaped brooch were worn to
protect against evil spirits, the evil eye or the attention of the sithean
(fairy spirits). These are the famous “Luckenbooth broochâ€.
The
name for the Luckenbooth came from there being sold in locked booths. These were
small shops, which were in fact very tiny and could be securely locked at night
and were a feature of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. These brooch were heart shaped
surmounted by a crown and usually made of silver. |
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The
first Luckenbooth brooch date from the late seventh century. This traditional
gift was given by a man to his sweetheart on their betrothal. It was considered
a lucky charm, protecting the wearer against the evil eye. Among other powers
the Luckenbooth was supposed to have, was in easing the pain at childbirth and
ensuring a good flow of breast milk when it was pinned to a woman’s petticoats
near her left thigh. If pinned to the baby’s shawl, it would protect the child
from being stolen by fairies. |
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During the XVIII and XIX centuries the
Luckenbooth became larger and more elaborate with inscriptions on the back such
as biblical references or the initials of the couple and the date of their
betrothal. |
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From 1850 onwards, the
intertwined hearts were made to resemble the letter M. These came to be called
Mary's brooch or even Glen Isle brooch for Mary Queen of Scots" whose husband,
Lord Darnley, had given her one. |
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Most Luckenbooth brooch today
are in the form of two hearts topped by a crown and are made of silver, although
some versions of this traditional Scottish pendant can be found in iron and
brass. Victorian ones were generally set with garnets. Garnets were thought to
have a lucky influence on affairs of the heart and symbolized a lover’s
constancy as well as being an emblem of deep friendship. The Victorian versions
of the Luckenbooth pendant were decorated with gems of different colours. |
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Many
antique Luckenbooths are treasured family heirlooms......... |
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...........Start your family tradition today |
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