The Thistle
– a symbol of Bravery, Courage, Endurance and Loyalty.
The Herbaceous plant is part of the Sunflower family and are known for its purple or yellow flowers, as well as it’s prickly thorns. When the seeds are ripe, they are dispersed as fluffy thistledown. This plant also produces a thick taproot that can be used as a coffee substitute.
When you think of Scotland a clear picture comes to mind. This picture includes Scottish Tartan, Bagpipes, The Kilt etc, however the emblem of Scotland is not as well known. The Thistle has been used as the emblem of Scotland for over 500 years – let’s find out why…
This is the legend of how The Thistle was chosen to be the emblem of Scotland.
It is said that the legend originated during the reign of Alexander III (1249 – 1286) when the Norwegian king, King Haakon, sent his army to fight the Scots. The army of Norwegian Vikings intended to conquer the sleeping Scottish Warriors and Highlanders on the coast of Largs in Ayshire. They wanted to move as quietly as humanly possible in order not to wake the Scotsmen and unexpectedly raid them, therefor they removed their shoes. Their plan quickly failed as one of King Haakon’s men stood in a prickly purple Thistle and screamed out in pain, waking the Scottish Warriors. The Clansman jumped to their feet charging into battle and defeating the Norwegian foe, resulting in the Highland Charge.
From this day on, the Thistle was known to have saved Alexander III’s men and was named the Guardian Thistle – The Emblem of Scotland.
A constant reminder of the Thistle and what it symbolises is the “unofficial Scottish anthem” Scotland the Brave.