Professional Gemologist Appraiser

Flower Full of Legends

Heather is the second most recognizable floral symbol of Scotland. This plant had many practical uses for thatching, dyes, ropes, brooms and more. It also treated cough, consumption, anxiety, arthritis, and rheumatism.

It also made Heather Ale. The Picts made it for centuries with a secret recipe that did not require the use of malt, hops, or sweeteners. Archaeologists have found traces of a fermented drink containing heather on a 3000 year old pottery shard.
Legend states that in the 4th century, Vikings defeated the Pictish army and cornered the King and his son on a cliff. The Viking Chieftain wanted the secret recipe. The Pictish King agreed to give up the recipe, only if his son died a quick death. His son was quickly killed and thrown from the cliff. The King knew that he could keep the secret, but was unsure if his son could. He then grabbed the Viking Chieftain and hurled them both off the cliff.

Most Heather is purple in color, but there is also rare white heather. Rumored to grow over the final resting places of fairies and only where no blood has been shed, the plant is said to be extremely lucky. Queen Victoria introduced carrying white heather at weddings for luck. Some Clans have attributed victory to wearing white heather sprays, or evading capture by hiding in patches of white heather.

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