ONE old Scottish wedding tradition centres around Luckenbooth brooches.
In the past, a groom would present his fiancee with the brooch, usually made of silver, in addition to a wedding ring.
Featuring a heart shape, or two intertwined hearts, it was an emblem of their union and considered a token of love and commitment, as well as bringing good luck and keeping evil spirits away.
The Luckenbooth brooch dates back to the 15th century and the design is thought to have originated from The Luckenbooths (‘Luckenbuiths’) of Edinburgh. Some say that soldiers from Edinburgh Castle would purchase them to give to their love when they returned from war.
After the wedding, on the birth of the firstborn, the brooch is traditionally pinned onto the child’s blanket and then passed down through the generations.
Jeweller David Gauld, of Gems in Dumfries, has heard of Luckenbooth brooches but says there is no demand locally for them these days.
Instead he revealed that couples opt for quaichs, hip flasks and Life Charms as gifts for their wedding party and each other.
