It is hard to imagine how D'Artagnan and the three musketeers sweep across Paris and beyond without hats with huge feathers. For several generations, the plume was decorated with shako and helmets worn by American orchestras and drum casings. With huge feathers, fashionistas and women of fashion decorated all kinds of hats and other hats. So what is plume and what is its history?
Historical reference
The word "plume" comes from the French plumage (plumage) and is used to denote the decoration of the headdress. A cropped feather plume is called a comb, often it has a decorative purpose. Over the years, he served a number of purposes in military culture. It is known that such plumes worn on helmets that almost covered the soldier's face indicated his loyalty. Some allocated military commanders to them, while others were used as regalia or designation of special military units.
Military plume appeared thanks to the fashion of the late 1600s. Men in those days were like peacocks and wore conspicuous things in bright colors. By the 1960s, most school groups had uniforms and regalia, which included a hat and a plume. The feather design styles of the American marching band were based on those worn by the military and were heavily influenced by European styles dating back to the Napoleonic era.
Initially, there were only four styles of plume and only a few colors. Sizes ranged from 10 cm to 20 cm in height. With the advent of the drummers' professional corps and changing trends in the music industry, clothing designers have introduced new plume styles.
Eagle feathers
When most people think about the headdress of the American Indians, the first thing that comes to mind is a crown with an eagle feather. For centuries, Native Americans regarded the eagle as its connection with the Creator of all living things and used its feathers for religious and aesthetic purposes.
The crown of 12 white feathers with black tips was considered ideal. Catching eagles was a dangerous part of the hunt, requiring great skill. Among some tribes, killing birds was entrusted only to certain men.