In Summer of the Bombers, my novel scheduled to be published April 10, the main character's house burns down when a controlled burn turns into a wild fire. One of the things that "Punkin" Davis misses the most is her rodeo belt buckle.
When I taught in a middle school that was part of a ranching community, many of my students wore big, shiny belt buckles that they were very proud of. Western belt buckles are not just fashion; they have an interesting history and serve an important purpose in Western culture.
Until the late 1800s, most men, including cowboys, didn’t wear belts with buckles at all. Pants were high-waisted, and tightened with a cinch at the back, or were held up with suspenders. It wasn’t until after Levi Strauss began mass-producing dungaree jeans that had belt loops that men, including cowboys, gave up suspenders and began wearing belts with buckles. Most buckles then, as now, had a square or rectangular piece of metal attached to one end of the belt, with a tongue that went through a hole in the leather to secure it.
Victorian British Army Officer's buckle
The big buckles that cowboys wear have their origins in the buckles worn by soldiers in European Armies, who expected their soldiers to look sharp when they headed into battle. Each unit issued a different belt buckle to their men, making them easy to distinguish from one another. These buckles were often made of brass and engraved with heraldry or insignia that identified their leader. The buckles of officers were more elaborate, and sometimes made of gold. It became a tradition for these buckles to be worn at parades and other important events long after the war in which it was issued was over.
US Army Officer's buckle, 1855
United States picked up the practice of military belt buckles by the time of the Civil War. From 1861 to 1865, friction belt buckles were mass produced in large quantities. These buckles where the belt is pulled behind and through the buckle to keep the belt in place were issued. Those buckles don’t have a prong or hole, and were made of brass. After the end of the Civil War, many veterans kept their buckles.
Most American military units have switched back to functional buckles. The exception is the U.S. Army Cavalry, which stuck with European tradition and maintains large and ornate buckles that incorporated heraldry elements.
When competitive and organized rodeos started in late 19th century Colorado, the only cowboys who wore buckles were veterans of the American Civil War. Then, in the 1920s, men’s pants fashion changed. With the lower waistline, belts became a more practical way to keep them up. About the same time, Hollywood began glamorizing the wild west. Hollywood cowboys such as Tom Mix and Gene Autry wore flashy buckles that audiences all across America oohed and ahhed over. In 1920, the San Francisco Cow Palace in California began awarding buckles as prizes at professional rodeo events.
Because belt buckles continue to be awarded for accomplishments such as barrel racing, bull riding, team roping, tie down roping and more, trophy buckles are sort of a cowboy’s resume. The most coveted buckles are those awarded by the PRCA, and once earned, are worn with pride.
Of course, not all big belt buckles are awards. Large belt buckles are also for sale. Some have the name of a dude ranch on them and can be bought by tourists. Other buckles feature places of interest, animals, or even brands of trucks. But the ones worn with the most pride have been earned.
Summer of the Bombers, a middle grade contemporary novel about the devastating effects of a wildfire, is scheduled to be published on April 10th. You can preorder the ebook version on Amazon, or the paperback through the author.
When a controlled burn goes out of control, it burns a path a destruction through everything that fourteen-year-old Margaret “Punkin” Davis loves. Her home is destroyed, her horse is stolen, and her family is broken apart. She must find the inner strength to rebuild her life one piece at a time or lose everything.
This YA novel about resilience and self determination is based on the events of the devastating Cerro Grande Fire in May, 2000, one of many wild fires that have raged throughout the Western United States.
FAQs
The big buckles that cowboys wear have their origins in the buckles worn by soldiers in European Armies, who expected their soldiers to look sharp when they headed into battle. Each unit issued a different belt buckle to their men, making them easy to distinguish from one another.
Why do cowboys wear large belt buckles? ›
In cowboy culture, the choice to use oversized belt buckles carries various meanings deeply rooted in tradition and practicality. The larger-than-life buckles aren't just accessories; they're statements of identity and belonging within the cowboy community.
What do the belt buckles mean for cowboys? ›
The Western belt buckle is woven into American history and tradition. Western belt buckles were originally designed as functional and practical work gear. Hardworking cowboys kept their tools and other daily essentials attached to their belts. They were also used as prizes and trophies for cowboy events and rodeos.
Why do Texans have big belt buckles? ›
Traditionally, they are given as rodeo trophies and commemorate important events in state history. That carried over into everyday western fashion. Wearing Texas-style buckles reminds you of home and shows off your Texas pride.
What is the significance of belt buckles? ›
In the world of sports and community celebrations, few prizes hold as much significance as the belt buckle. These iconic symbols of victory and achievement are not only functional accessories but also cherished mementos that represent hard work, dedication, and the thrill of competition.
Why do men wear belt buckles? ›
Their primary purpose is to hold your pants up and make you look good. Belt buckles come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials but are most commonly made of metal and attached to a leather belt strap.
What is the belt buckle rule? ›
In short, the belt buckle rule is a safety rule that says you must keep your belt buckle in between the side rails when using a ladder.
Why didn't cowboys wear suspenders? ›
They wore suspenders because they were more practical. It wasn't until after the 1920s that Hollywood popularized belt buckles as one of the essential must-have items for a cowboy, which helped popularize it even more for modern-day cowboys.
Can girls wear belt buckles? ›
A buckle is the centerpiece of any men's or women's Western belt; it can draw attention or create a subtle highlight. Belt buckles come in a variety of materials, shapes, styles, and sizes so you choose how much or how little you want to stand out.
Where is the largest belt buckle in the world? ›
At 19 feet 10 ½ inches wide and 13 feet 11 ¼ inches tall (not including the frame), Abilene, Kansas, is now home to the World's Largest Belt Buckle. Unveiled December 21, 2022 in Eisenhower Park, the project serves as a billboard celebrating Abilene.
He also explained why Booth hasn't been wearing his trademark “co*cky” belt buckle as of late, and instead has been opting for the rifle belt buckle he sported when the series began. “I decided to put this back on until I resolve the sniper issue.
Why do cowboys have a big belt buckle? ›
Because belt buckles continue to be awarded for accomplishments such as barrel racing, bull riding, team roping, tie down roping and more, trophy buckles are sort of a cowboy's resume.
What is the meaning of the cowboy belt buckle? ›
Cowboys use their belt buckles to reveal something substantial about themselves and highlight their greatest accomplishments. Whether they are rodeo trophies or made with a specific cowboy in mind, a cowboy's belt buckle gives you a glimpse into their lives.
What does the snake belt buckle mean? ›
One such design is the symbolic depiction of a serpent on belt clasps. Over the centuries this design has proven to be very popular, and is considered typically to represent the dual expression of good and evil.
What is the biggest belt buckle in Texas? ›
At 1,000 pounds, more than 10 feet tall and 14 feet wide, the buckle set a Guinness World Record.
Why do cowboys put belts around horses legs? ›
A horse hobble? Hobbles are usually slipped around a horse's front legs just above the fetlocks, which allows the horse freedom to graze and yet restrains them from wandering off too far.
Why do cowboys wear big pants? ›
Some functional aspects that cowboy wear incorporates, include: Movement: A cowboy's jeans and shirt are often designed with a loose fit, which provides for comfortable and unrestricted movement while going about tasks such as horse riding, roping, or working with livestock.
Victorian British Army Officer's buckle
US Army Officer's buckle, 1855
