The meaning and origin of the popular motif of men's silver accessories, "feather"

The meaning of the popular motif of men's silver accessories: "feather"

This time, we will introduce the popular motif of men's silver accessories: feathers.

Feathers may not seem particularly "men's," but although there are many different types of feathers available these days, the original feather is a large silver accessory, so it can be said to be more of a men's motif.

Birds and bird feathers are considered to be good omens and lucky items in both the East and the West, so they are considered to be very auspicious.

Originally it was a popular motif in Native American jewelry, but now it is made in many different places, so I don't think many people care much about its origin or meaning.

There are also small and cute feathers available that are easy for women to wear.

Now, let's take a look at the origins of feathers as silver accessories and the meaning of feathers in the West, Japan, and other countries.

The origins of feather silver accessories

Feathers in silver accessories were originally one of the motifs in Indian jewelry.

Among the motifs in Indian jewelry, feathers represent "friendship" and "peace."

Native Americans wear feather headdresses as part of their formal attire, and feathers are a motif that symbolizes their ethnicity.

The feathers used in Indian jewelry are those of eagles.

Native Americans have their own unique belief in spirits, and the eagle is worshiped as a messenger of God.Eagle feathers are considered very sacred as they contain that power.

Therefore, the original feathers are often large as they are modeled after large eagle feathers.

Feather motifs and Indian jewelry itself are beautiful, making them popular in Japan as well.

So what does feather mean in Japan?

The meaning of the feather motif in Japan

When one thinks of "feathers" in relation to an unproven Japanese story, one that comes to mind is the famous phrase "A white feathered arrow is raised," which originated in Japan from an episode when deciding who to sacrifice for Yamata no Orochi.

This is an episode in which the family whose child has been chosen to be sacrificed is chosen, so it has a rather negative image.

Recently, it has also been used to mean "promoting," so it cannot be said to have a negative meaning in general, but its origins lie in negative legends.

In Japan, one of the Japanese patterns that brings to mind a positive image of feathers is the "Yagasuri" pattern.

This is a traditional pattern called Yabane Kasuri, and it is the pattern worn by the main character, Hanamura Benio, in the drama "Haikara-san ga Tooru." I think Takarazuka fans will know about it.

Since an arrow goes straight once it is shot and never returns, it is believed to be sent by women who are getting married to prevent them from returning, and it is also a prayer for women to move forward in a straight line on their own path.

Birds are generally symbols of good luck

Although it's a little off topic from feathers, just as eagles are messengers of God to Native Americans, birds are also considered gods in Japan.

The Yatagarasu, which is also used in the markings of the Japanese national soccer team, is the sun god and is therefore considered to be auspicious, and the owl is also considered to be a lucky charm as it is associated with the word "fukurou" (owl) which means "no hardship."

In China, swallows are popular as birds of good luck.

The meaning of feathers in the West

In the West, feathers are seen as a symbol of good luck, not just as a bird's wings, but as angel wings.

In this case it's more like a wing than a feather.

In other cases, it is a symbol of wealth, such as the quill pen. (In the days when quill pens were the main pen used, stationery was a luxury item, so desk drawers were apparently fitted with locks to prevent servants from stealing them.)

There are many stories about this in mythology, but in the West, the bird itself is a more popular motif than the feathers themselves.

Just like in Japan, owls seem to be a popular motif.

Feathers are a recommended motif for beginners

Feathers can be a bold piece depending on the size, but they are not as sharp as skulls so they can be matched with a wide range of fashions.

The type with many gemstones set in it has a presence like jewelry, and if you take the size into consideration, it can also be worn by women, making it a motif that is easy to use.

If you are buying silver for the first time and want to have some light fun with it, I recommend starting with feathers.

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