The concept of cockade is used to name an emblem that is usually formed with linked or gathered ribbons . This insignia, used as a badge, can be placed on the chest or a hat, attaching it to the fabric with a pin or needle.
Also called cucarda , the cockade is the national symbol of various countries . Its ribbons, in this frame, display the same colors as the nation's flag. That is why cockades are usually used on national holidays.
Beyond its ceremonial function, the cockade also has a practical purpose . In ancient times, the use of a cockade made it possible to recognize which faction an individual belonged to, especially in times of political conflict. In a public space, for example, a person could look for those who had their side's cockade to join them.
On warplanes, on the other hand, a cockade is often painted on the dorsal part so that it can be easily recognized to which air force the aircraft belongs.
The Argentine cockade , for example, is light blue and white. Since 1812 , it has been one of the national symbols of this South American country. The Chilean cockade , for its part, is blue, white and red, being a national emblem since 1967 .
Cockades are also used in Europe . The Spanish cockade features rings with the colors of the flag : a red ring, a yellow ring and another red ring. This type of insignia dates back to the 19th century , since before it was completely red.
We can determine that, depending on the meaning it has, two different etymological origins can be established:
-If we talk about what the shape of bow or ribbons that are put on the hat is, we can determine that it derives from French, specifically from "escharpe."
-In the event that the term is used as a synonym for quarrel, we come across the fact that its etymological origin comes from the Italian verb "scarpellare", which can be translated as "to work on stone with the scalpel."
In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence of the Escarapela fashion brand, which is focused on men's clothing. Specifically, it is committed to dressing men who want a look that is not only elegant but also modern.
Within the field of culture, the term in question has been used on numerous occasions to give titles to different types of works. This would be the case, for example, of "La escarapela blanca", which was written by Federico Villalobos Goyarrola.
It is a novel that takes as its protagonist Juan Alonso Vigil, a man who decides to embark for Scotland with the clear objective of being able to see his uncles. However, what seems like a peaceful trip becomes a really complicated event as the Jacobite uprising of 1745 against the English monarch of the time takes place. And this situation will make him discover not only what power struggles are but also the cruel reality of war.