Few items make more of a fashion statement than wearing feathers. In Europe the trend first came to prominence(引人注目) during the 16th century Renaissance (文艺复兴) period, symbolizing wealth and power. Similarly, nowadays, the feather industry is seen as an expensive decoration for designer items, including handbags and boots.
However, the Native American culture falls on the opposite end, viewing feathers as sacred parts of their civilization.
Native American is the blanket item for a member of any of the local people of North, Central and South America, many of whom were wiped out by diseases brought over by European colonists. Today, their traditional culture survives to an extent in specific Native American Reserves around the US and Canada, aiming to protect the remaining tribes.
Though each tribe has its own culture, feathers are widely seen as a symbol of bravery and are often integrated into the iconic headdress or warbonnet(战冠) designs worm by the most influential and powerful members of a tribe.
As a key symbol for a tribe, a warbonnet should reflect a tribe's home. As such, they are usually made up of feathers mainly from the local area, which results in widely differing designs around the US.
Of these feathers, an eagle feather is the most highly valued. Within the Native American culture, eagles are regarded for their strength and bravery, meaning anyone who possesses or wears its feathers should also demonstrate these qualities.
Despite this spiritual significance, many not associated with the culture continue to wear headdresses with artificial feathers at music festivals and sporting events. Dennis Zotigh, Cultural Specialist, National Museum of the American Indian, said: "This is analogous to casually wearing a purple heart (a US military medal for bravery) that was not earned."
Indeed, the feather is such a meaningful and spiritual part of Native American culture. So maybe the next time we find ourselves buying a shirt with a feather design or colorful feather earrings, we can appreciate the feather's symbolic history.
