PLUME TRADE Meaning and
Definition
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Plume trade refers to the commercial industry involved in the collection, sale, and distribution of bird feathers, particularly those belonging to rare or endangered species. The term "plume" specifically refers to the feathers, which are highly valued for their aesthetic quality and often used for decorative purposes, including in fashion, millinery, and ornamentation.
Plume trade has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations, where feathers were cherished for their beauty and perceived symbolism. However, the demand for exotic and unique feathers escalated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Western societies, leading to the unsustainable exploitation of various bird species. This excessive hunting for plumage resulted in a significant decline in bird populations and, in many cases, even led to their extinction.
International laws and agreements, such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), have been established to regulate and control the plume trade. These initiatives aim to protect bird species from overexploitation and prevent the illegal trafficking of feathers.
Today, plume trade remains a controversial issue as the demand for ornamental feathers persists, albeit to a lesser extent. Efforts to promote awareness about conservation and legislation have significantly reduced the trade's impact on endangered bird populations, although challenges such as illegal trade and inadequate enforcement continue to exist.
Etymology of PLUME TRADE
The term "plume trade" refers to the commercial industry that emerged during the 19th and early 20th centuries, involving the hunting and trading of bird feathers, particularly those of exotic and beautiful species. This trade primarily supplied the demand for feathers in the fashion industry, where feathers were used as decorations on women's hats, garments, and other accessories.
The etymology of the term "plume trade" can be broken down as follows:
1. Plume: The word "plume" comes from the Latin "pluma", which means "feather" or "small soft feather". It can also refer to a decorative tuft, especially one made of feathers.
2. Trade: The word "trade" comes from the Old English "træd", meaning "path" or "track". Over time, it evolved to refer to the activity of buying, selling, and exchanging goods or services.
