See more
Why is the Thistle important to Scotland?
It also represents one of the highest honours the country can give an individual. Founded by James VII and II in 1687, the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry which is bestowed to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the life of Scotland and the greater United Kingdom.
What does thistle symbolize?
Like its rough exterior, the meaning of the flower is associated with aggressiveness, pain, protection and pride. Since thistle is defined as both a flower and a weed, the exact inference of the bloom can extend from less positive symbolism such as poverty and weakness all the way to qualities of might and brilliance.
What is a thistle in Scotland?
Written by Rheanna-Marie Hall. The thistle is the flower of Scotland and one of its most recognisable symbols. Since King Alexander III, it has been Scotland's national emblem.
What flower is native to Scotland?
Bluebells, primroses and twinflower are just some of the beautiful plants found in Scotland's woodlands. Some of our vascular plant 'spectaculars' are restricted to our part of the world.
Are thistles Celtic?
Both the national emblem and deemed the Flower of Scotland, the Scottish Thistle has long been beloved by the Scottish people. In the language of flowers the thistle is an ancient Celtic symbol of nobility of character as well as of birth.
What is the symbol for Scotland?
The thistleThe thistle as a symbol Whatever its origins, the thistle has been an important Scottish symbol for more than 500 years. Perhaps its first recognisable use was on silver coins issued in 1470 during the reign of James III and from the early 16th century, it was incorporated into the Royal Arms of Scotland.
What is Scotland's national motto?
Nemo me impune lacessit'Nemo me impune lacessit' or 'No one provokes me with impunity' is Scotland's national motto.
What animal is the symbol of Scotland?
the unicornBut it's true: the unicorn really is the official national animal of Scotland. And our love for this famous mythological creature dates back many centuries. Unicorns have featured in many cultures going as far back as the classical age, including the ancient Babylonians and the Indus civilization.
What do thistles represent in the Bible?
A precursor to the gospel It's interesting God speaks of thorns and thistles when He's describing the curse to Adam. God could have chosen to reveal the damaging effects hurricanes and earthquakes would now have on the world. He could have foretold droughts and pandemics.
What does the Bible say about thistles?
In the first reference to armed plants in the Bible, Genesis 3:18, "It [the cursed ground] will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field." The word translated thorn is qots. Thus, the two words (as well as several others) can be translated as thistle or thorn.
Are thistles good luck?
In Scottish lore, the spiny thistle thwarted an attack from an enemy army with its prickly spines. Since then, it's been associated with good luck, strength, and courage.
What does a thistle tattoo mean?
A thistle tattoo can be a symbol of pride, determination, tenacity, and toughness in the face of great hardship. The thorny plant is crowned with a beautiful purple flower, a color long associated in Europe with royalty and nobility.
When did the thistle become the symbol of Scotland?
There are several different legends that tell how the thistle became Scotland’s symbol, but most date from the reign of Alexander III and in particular the events surrounding the Battle of Largs in 1263.
Why was the thistle chosen as Scotland's national emblem?
His shout warned the Scots who rose up and engaged the enemy, thus saving Scotland from invasion. The important role that the thistle had played in the Battle of Largs was recognised and so was chosen as Scotland’s national emblem.
What is the national symbol of Scotland?
Common throughout the highlands, islands and lowlands of Scotland, the prickly purple thistle has been Scotland’s national emblem for centuries. This proud and regal plant, which grows to a height of five feet, has no natural enemies because of the vicious spines that cover and protect it like a porcupine.
Who founded the Order of the Thistle?
It is said that the Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland, was founded in 1540 by King James V who, after being honoured with the Order of the Garter from his uncle King Henry VIII of England and with the Golden Fleece from the Emperor of France, felt a little left out. He resolved the issue by creating the royal title of Order of the Thistle for himself and twelve of his knights, ‘…in allusion to the Blessed Saviour and his Twelve Apostles’. He set up the arms and badges of the order over the gate of his palace at Linlithgow.
Was Scotland part of Norway?
It is often forgotten, that for hundreds of years much of Scotland was part of the Kingdom of Norway. By 1263 however, Norway seems to have had little interest in their former territory. However, that was until King Alexander III proposed to buy back the Western Isles and Kintyre from the Norse King Haakon IV.
What is the significance of thistle?
Thistle Flower Cultural Significance. Myths and Stories of the This tle Flower. To Wrap It Up. Nature’s prickliest flower, the thistle is ubiquitous in Scotland where it is the national symbol. Known for its roughness and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, and rich in history and symbolism , here’s what you need to know about the thistle.
What is thistle flower?
About the Thistle Flower. Thistle, or Onopordum acanthium, is part of the sunflower family and it is best known as the national symbol of Scotland. There are over 200 types of thistle flowers, however some are viewed less gloriously than the common thistle found in Scotland. The thistle flower has a distinct prickly touch ...
Why is thistle called the flower of the sun?
It’s used as protection against evildoers because people believe that witches cannot look directly at the sun. The thistle is often seen on the front doors of the homes of this region. The flower’s pink and purple colors represent nobility and royalty.
What does it mean to be prickly as a thistle?
It symbolizes toughness, pain and aggression. To be prickly as a thistle can mean to get angry quickly especially about criticism . In Victorian times, the thistle was known as the flower of intrusion or used as a warning against unwanted meddling. However, the thistle is also connected to positive symbolism:
How tall does thistle grow?
Tough and usually found in arid and dry regions, the thistle can grow up to 8 feet high and has extensive root systems that can endanger surrounding plants. The flower blooms in a range of colors, such as white and yellow, but it is most commonly seen in purple shades. back to menu ↑.
What is the symbol of Scotland?
Commonly known as the Scottish thistle and the national symbol of Scotland, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the thistle flower. Many legends surround it and the flower has several interpretations as well. The thistle is typically connected to negative symbolism: The thistle is often used as a metaphor for inconvenience or trouble.
What is milk thistle used for?
Once considered a cure-all, the thistle was even recommended as a remedy for the plague. Doctors used it to induce vomiting in patients, and as a stimulant and tonic. Milk thistle, another variety, contains a chemical known as silymarin.
How did the thistle become the unlikely emblem of Scotland?
How did the thistle become the unlikely emblem of Scotland? There are many stories and theories about how this happened, but the most popular is this: According to legend, an invading Norse army was attempting to sneak up at night upon a Scottish army’s encampment. During this operation one barefoot Norseman had the misfortune to step on a thistle, causing him to cry out in pain , thus alerting Scots to the presence of the Norse invaders. Some sources suggest the specific occasion was the Battle of Largs, but it is not certain.
How many species of thistle are there in the UK?
Picture: Ian Georgeson. There are around 20 species of thistle in the UK with the three most common in Scotland being the creeping thistle, marsh thistle and spear thistle but many others do occur including the welted thistle and melancholy thistle.
What is the name of the thistle in Scotland?
The common thistle is known to botanists as onopordum acanthium and to everyone else as the Scotch thistle or Scottish thistle. A relative of the sunflower family, the Scottish thistle achieved fame and standing as the national emblem of Scotland.
What does the Scottish thistle plant mean?
Meaning of Scottish Thistle. Given the legend surrounding the Scottish thistle, the plant clearly connotes bravery, courage, and loyalty in the face of treachery. The tough, painful spikes of the plant itself suggest endurance and fortitude.
What Is Thistle?
The cotton thistle is a large plant, up to three meters tall and about half that in width. A biennial plant, its spiny leaves are 10 to 50 cm wide, covered with white hairs that give the plant the common name "cotton thistle." They have long, stiff spines the length of the margins. The flowers are round and range in color from pink to lavender. The thistle flowers from July to September.
How tall is a cotton thistle?
The cotton thistle is a large plant, up to three meters tall and about half that in width.
Why is the thistle so famous?
The thistle is renowned in Scotland where it is not only the country's national emblem but also the base of Scotland's ancient order of chivalry known as "The Order of the Thistle." Oral tradition attributes this to a war between the Scottish and the Vikings of Denmark. When the Vikings attempted to surprise the Scots at night, one of them supposedly placed a bare foot on a thistle, causing him to cry out in pain and alerting the Scots to the Viking presence.
What does the purple thistle represent?
Thistle's vibrant pink or purple color represents royalty and nobility, as well as the nobility of character. As plant expert Arthur Lee Jacobson says about another thistle, "Though we cannot beat, nor like, nor use the damn thing, we must at least respect it as a formidable foe.". The thistle is renowned in Scotland where it is not only ...
What is the Scottish guard thistle?
After this Viking episode, the thistle became known as the "Guardian Thistle" and, under James III, it became the badge of the Stuarts. Today it is the insignia of the Scottish guard and has been used on coins, banknotes, stamps and broadswords. It even decorates the tomb of Mary, Queen of Scots.
What is the Order of the Thistle?
The Order of the Thistle is the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland, recognising sixteen Knights with the highest honour in the country and recognises Scottish men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a particular way to national life. The Order is second only in precedence in England to the Order of the Garter.
Who are the Knights and Ladies of the Thistle?
In addition to the 16 Knights and Ladies, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Princess Royal, and The Duke of Cambridge – known in Scotland as The Earl ...
Where do the knights go to the Order of the Thistle?
Every other year, dressed in their striking green velvet robes, glistening insignia and white-plumed hats, the knights take part in a grand procession to the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle in Edinburgh, for the Order of the Thistle Service. The Knights and Ladies meet for a ceremony at The Thistle Chapel in St Giles' Cathedral, where any new Members are installed into the Order by The Queen. The procession begins in the Signet Library in Edinburgh Town Centre, while just outside the Library in Parliament Square collect The Guard of Honour with the Colours (flags) of the Royal Company, accompanied by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Who established the Order of Scotland?
James II (James VII of Scotland) established the Order with a statutory foundation under new rules in 1687 - to reward Scottish peers who supported the king's political and religious aims.
Flora and fauna
Origins
- There are several different legends that tell how the thistle became Scotlands symbol, but most date from the reign of Alexander III and in particular the events surrounding the Battle of Largs in 1263. It is said that the Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland, was founded in 1540 by King James V who, after being honoured with the Order of the Garter from his uncle King Hen…
Legacy
- It is often forgotten, that for hundreds of years much of Scotland was part of the Kingdom of Norway. By 1263 however, Norway seems to have had little interest in their former territory. However, that was until King Alexander III proposed to buy back the Western Isles and Kintyre from the Norse King Haakon IV. The thought of relieving King Alexander of some of his riches an…
Prelude
- Late in the summer of 1263 King Haakon of Norway, now intent on conquering the Scots, set off with a sizeable fleet of longships for the Scottish coast. Gales and fierce storms forced some of the ships onto the beach at Largs in Ayrshire, and a Norwegian force was landed.
Battle
- Legend has it that at some point during the invasion the Norsemen tried to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen. In order to move more stealthily under the cover of darkness the Norsemen removed their footwear. But as they crept barefoot they came across an area of ground covered in thistles and one of Haakons men unfortunately stood on one and shrieked out in pain, thus alerti…
Significance
- His shout warned the Scots who defeated the Norsemen at the Battle of Largs, thus saving Scotland from invasion. The important role that the thistle had played was recognised and so was chosen as Scotlands national emblem.
History
- The first use of the thistle as a royal symbol of Scotland was on silver coins issued by James III in 1470.
Coat of arms
- The common badge worn over the left breast by the knights is a cross surmounted by a star of four silver points, and over this a green circle bordered and lettered with gold, containing the motto Nemo me impune lacessit, No-one harms me without punishment but more commonly translated in Scots as Wha daurs meddle wi me, in the centre is the thistle.