Luckenbooth

The Luckenboothis a style of brooch which came from France and became popular in Scotland from about the middle of the sixteenth century, through the Auld Alliance and is associated with Mary Queen of Scots.One theory is that they take their name from the stalls or booths, where they were on sale, near St. Giles,in Edinburgh,the luken from locking or else look in.They were usually given as a token of love,much as an engagement ring is today and often used as a talisman to ward off evil.