Scottish Luckenbooth brooch

16.02.2015

161 1 minute read

Luckenbooth brooch
An ancient symbol of Scotland, and a traditional symbol of love and fidelity – Luckenbooth. The brooch received its name from the small shops – luckenbooths, located near the Cathedral of St. Giles. In Luckenbooths sold jewelry and other handicraft products of the XVI century. The first brooches were very small in size. It was believed that they could protect people from the evil eye and the influence of evil forces. Also stated that they could help new mothers, nursing mothers and infants.

Scottish Luckenbooth brooch — Traditional Scottish brooch

In the XVI-XVIII centuries in Scotland, there were two main types of Luckenbooth brooches:
brooch of round shape with engraved patterns, to fasten plaids, used both by men and women;
brooch in the shape of a heart or two hearts, a crown, typically silver. Attached to the groom at the wedding dress of the bride, it was as a symbol of love and commitment.

During the XVIII and XIX centuries Luckenbooth brooch became larger in size, its design had become more mature, there were inscriptions and intricate designs.

Scottish Luckenbooth brooch

Since 1850, the brooch, which intertwined hearts, reminded the letter “M” with a crown of Queen of Scots and the Scottish thistle, was called Mary brooch or even the brooch of Queen Mary. This was due to the fact that according to legend, Queen of Scots Mary gave the brooch to Lord Darnley, so the same Luckenbooth brooch was considered a symbol of love and devotion.

In the Victorian era the brooch was inserted with grenades and Amethyst – stones that embody love, the constancy of love, strong friendship and spiritual unity.

Most of them were carried out in the traditional manner: chasing Celtic pattern, brooches in the shape of a harp, a dagger or a pin in the form of a thistle. The thistle shaped brooches were often not just a decoration, but symbolized the belonging of the owner to the Order of the Thistle. According to legend, founded in the year 787, the Order is considered one of the oldest in Europe, dedicated to the Holy Apostle Andrew.