A recent photo circulating around the internet has “Yellowstone” wondering if Kayce Dutton’s “Y” brand has swapped sides.
On “Yellowstone,” earning the “Y” brand is the equivalent of becoming a “made” man — or woman. Those possessing the brand wear it with pride and a symbol that they have sacrificed for the good of the ranch. Over the course of three seasons, we have several ranch hands receive the “Yellowstone” brand. We have also seen that several other ranch hands already have the brand on their chest. The brand is completed by heating up a branding iron and placing it on the chest of the earner. It goes on the left side of the chest right over the top of the heart, symbolizing just what it means.
This is why some “Yellowstone” fans are now confused as to the location of Kayce Dutton’s brand. A picture circulating the web appears to show that Kayce’s brand is on the right side of his chest. Previous photos have shown the brand on his left side where all other bearers wear it. A recent Reddit thread shares the photo in question and looks for an explanation. Looking at the photo with no context — it certainly looks like Kayce’s brand has jumped to the other side. “Yellowstone” fans dig into the matter, hoping to find an explanation.
“I’m not sure but I think that picture is him looking in a mirror so that’s why it appears to be on the right,” one Redditor says.
“I noticed this weeks ago,” another fan says. “No mirror was involved in the Indian sweat Ceremony. The brand moved from one side to the other.”
“The camera is looking over his right shoulder at the reflection in the mirror,” another fan notes. The brand is on his left.”
‘Yellowstone’ Brand is a Symbol of Honor, Trust
We’ve not gotten a full explanation of exactly what the “Yellowstone” brand means to its bearer. Before branding Walker in an earlier season, Rip Wheeler implies the brand has a deeper meaning.
“It’s not about the money, Walker,” Rip says before bestowing him with the brand. “It’s about trust.”
We have also heard Rip tell others that the brand is “just for the criminals.”
That makes sense as it appears a ranch hand has to commit a crime in order to earn the brand. At the end of last season, Colby and Teeter earn their brands by participating in the murder of Wade and Clint Morrow.
Will we see anyone earn their “Yellowstone” brand this season? It wouldn’t be a surprise if we did but there aren’t a ton of candidates. Most of the bunkhouse crew already have their brand embroidered on their chests.
Our next dose of “Yellowstone” is coming tonight (Sunday) with episode four of the fourth season.
