The Lucky Grouse’s Foot

Grouse foot brooches are one of those wonderfully peculiar artifacts that seem to straddle the line between charm and the macabre. At first glance, they might look like something snatched from a taxidermist’s workshop—tiny, perfectly preserved bird feet, claws and all, often adorned with silver or Celtic designs. But don’t be fooled by their eerie appearance. These little talismans carry a world of meaning and magic.

Originating in Scotland, grouse foot brooches have long been worn as good luck charms. Grouse, especially the red grouse, are birds of the Scottish moors—elusive and swift, known for their cunning and agility. It was believed that wearing their feet would grant the wearer protection, speed, and luck, especially for hunters and travelers. If you needed a little extra edge on a journey or a day out in the field, pinning one of these on your lapel was like carrying a secret weapon.

But there’s more to it. In Scottish folklore, grouse foot brooches were also considered powerful protection against the evil eye and malicious spirits. The claw-like appearance of the preserved foot was thought to ward off curses, keeping dark forces at bay. In the rugged landscapes of the Highlands, where superstition and magic intertwined with everyday life, this was no small thing. It was believed that the grouse’s agility and stealth could be transferred to the wearer, helping them stay one step ahead of danger—both natural and supernatural.

These brooches also became a symbol of Scottish identity and pride, particularly during the Victorian era when Queen Victoria herself fell in love with all things Highland. Tourists flocked to Scotland, eager to take home a piece of its mystique, and the grouse foot brooch became a fashionable memento. Whether worn on kilts, shawls, or hats, it served as both a nod to tradition and a bit of wearable folklore.

Of course, not everyone was charmed by the sight of a little bird’s foot dangling from someone’s cloak. To some, it’s downright creepy. But perhaps that’s part of its power. There’s something deliciously uncanny about the blend of nature and ornament, magic and fashion. The House would say it’s a perfect example of how beauty and the bizarre often walk hand in claw.

Today, vintage grouse foot brooches are sought after by collectors, folk magic enthusiasts, and anyone with an appreciation for the odd and wonderful. So if you ever stumble upon one at an estate sale or antique shop, don’t shy away. Pin it on, and carry a little piece of Highland magic with you—protection, luck, and just the right amount of spooky style.

Vintage Grouse Foot Brooch; House of Good Fortune Collection

Grouse Foot Brooch with purple stone; House of Good Fortune Collection

Raptor claw brooch (likely from a Golden Eagle) from the collection of The Grantown Museum

Of course, the grouse’s foot isn’t the only animal charm believed to bring luck or protection. In the African-American hoodoo and conjure traditions of the Southern United States, a rabbit’s foot is carried as a token of good luck—often believed to bring prosperity and protection to its owner. But the real powerhouse of protection is the chicken foot. Commonly seen hanging near the entrance of a home, the chicken’s foot is a potent amulet meant to ward off evil spirits and bad intentions. It is typically “fixed” or dressed with various oils that enhance its protective properties and is believed to work by “scratching away” bad luck or ill will. Just like the grouse foot, it takes on a fearsome appearance, its claw-like form meant to repel negativity and shield the home from harm.

Rabbit’s Foot Keychain; House of Good Fortune Collection

Chicken foot from the The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum