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If you are a fan of Yellowstone, you will know that getting branded is a significant aspect of the show. So, just why do Yellowstone characters get branded?
When Yellowstone talks about branding, it is not a metaphor. Several characters on the show that work at the ranch receive an actual brand on their body, just like livestock do.
The branding iron is heated over a flame and pressed onto a person’s skin, a process that is not for the faint of heart.
However, not just anyone on Yellowstone receives a brand. Only a handful of characters bear the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch brand on their chests.
The ritual of being branded on the show has caused some confusion among fans about who gets the brand and why.
Receiving a brand on Yellowstone is a big deal. It indicates just how grueling life can be at Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
Why Do Yellowstone Characters Get Branded?
In the show Yellowstone, characters get branded to signify that they are a part of the ranch forever and to indicate their loyalty. The brand bounds wearers to the ranch and in a way, the ranch owns them now.
The brand is also a symbol of loyalty. It shows that the person who is branded is loyal to the ranch and to the Dutton family. This is a very important quality in the world of Yellowstone, where loyalty is often tested.
The brand often represents a second chance, allowing the ranch hands to leave behind their previous struggles and hardships. In a way, it represents a sort of rebirth, as many of those who work at the ranch come from a troubled past.
For example, when Rip branded Jimmy, he gave him the option to receive the brand and work for the ranch or be turned into the cops.
The act of branding on Yellowstone is similar to initiation rituals of secret organizations such as the Sicilian mafia and fraternities. Once an individual accepts the brand, they are a part of the ranch and are sworn to protect its secrets.
What Yellowstone Characters are Branded?
Yellowstone characters that are branded are Kayce, Beth, Rip, Jimmy, Teeter, Wade, Colby, Ryan, Lloyd, and Walker.
It is important to note that not everyone who works on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch is branded. The brand is only given to those who have proven themselves to be loyal and trustworthy. It is a way of showing that the person is now a part of the family.
The first character we see to receive the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch brand is Jimmy. Rip gives Jimmy the brand in his trailer after giving him an ultimatum: get branded or get arrested.
Wade Morrow also had a brand, however, Walker cuts the brand from Wade’s chest after he betrays the ranch.
Wade, along with his son Clint, attacked Teeter and Colby before threatening John Dutton. The ranch hands sought revenge on the Morrows, killing them for their attacks on the ranch.
Is it Good to be Branded in Yellowstone?
Whether or not it is good to be branded in Yellowstone is a matter of opinion. Some people might see it as a badge of honor, a sign that they are part of the ranch family. Others might see it as a symbol of oppression, a reminder that they are owned by the ranch.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide how they feel about the brand.
What Does the Yellowstone Brand Logo Mean?
The Yellowstone Dutton Ranch brand logo is a Hooked Rocking Y. It is created from a combination of the Hooked Y and the Rocking Y, two historical cattle brands.
Both the Hooked Y and the Rocking Y are used separately among real American cattle ranchers. However, the Hooked Rocking Y logo remains special to just Yellowstone.
The Hooked Y brand dates back over 130 years as a registered American cattle brand. It is active in several different states including Tennesee, Arkansas, and Texas.
Related: Is Yellowstone Based on a True Story?
Did Any Real-Life Ranches Brand Their Cowboys?
Branding people on Yellowstone is done throughout the show, however, it is not a regular practice at real-life ranches.
Though people in real-life have been branded, it is by no means a common occurrence.
Branding a person comes with a lot of dangers. A person’s skin is a lot thinner than a cow’s, so the brand can result in a serious burn. In addition, brands on people are prone to infections, which can lead to serious complications.
Related: 20 Yellowstone Quiz Questions
As someone deeply familiar with the intricacies of branding and its significance, particularly as portrayed in media and its real-world applications, I can delve into the multifaceted aspects surrounding the use of branding in the context of the TV series "Yellowstone."
The depiction of branding in the show is a powerful symbol of commitment, ownership, and belonging. In "Yellowstone," characters are branded with the ranch's mark as a permanent testament to their loyalty and affiliation. The act of branding involves the use of a heated iron pressed onto the skin, symbolizing a lifelong commitment akin to branding livestock.
This practice is deeply embedded in the ranch's culture, marking those who bear the brand as integral members of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch family. It signifies a profound sense of ownership by the ranch over the individuals, implying that they are bound to the land and its people.
The choice to brand individuals, such as the characters Kayce, Beth, Rip, Jimmy, Teeter, Wade, Colby, Ryan, Lloyd, and Walker, signifies trust, loyalty, and a second chance. It serves as a transformative act, allowing individuals to leave behind troubled pasts and start anew within the ranch's fold.
Moreover, the brand acts as a pact of secrecy and allegiance, akin to initiation rituals in secret societies. Once branded, individuals are entrusted with the ranch's secrets and are expected to protect its interests at all costs.
The "Yellowstone" brand serves as both a badge of honor and a potentially contentious symbol. While some characters wear it proudly, considering it a mark of belonging and honor within the ranch, others might perceive it as a form of subjugation, a reminder of being owned by the institution.
The specific design of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch brand logo, featuring the Hooked Rocking Y, is a unique combination of historical cattle brands. The Hooked Y and the Rocking Y, individually used by real American cattle ranchers, converge in this logo, symbolizing the show's distinct identity within the context of ranching history.
In reality, branding humans is an uncommon practice on legitimate ranches due to the inherent risks involved. Human skin is more delicate than animal hide, making branding potentially dangerous and prone to severe burns and infections.
While "Yellowstone" dramatizes the significance of branding for storytelling purposes, it is essential to acknowledge that real-life ranching practices seldom involve branding people due to these risks and ethical considerations.
In essence, the depiction of branding in "Yellowstone" is a narrative device that symbolizes loyalty, ownership, and transformation, deeply rooted in the show's portrayal of ranching culture.
If you'd like to delve further into the portrayal of ranching practices, historical cattle brands, or the significance of branding within different contexts, feel free to ask for more information.
