The Scottish Thistle
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Scone's Scottish and Celtic Internet Book
www.sconemac2.com
Scottish Highlands and Islands Partnership
The Story of the Scottish Thistle
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This info sent in by Mike Wilson.....
The Story of the Scottish Thistle
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For the many who keep writing and asking me for the story of the thistle, and how it became Scotland's national symbol....here is the thorny subject.
The story goes like this...........
a very long time ago when Scotland was ravaged by Viking invaders, a group of Scottish fighting men were resting overnight in a field.
Unknown to them, a viking raiding party was preparing to attack this group of Scots, under cover of darkness.
As the attacking Vikings approached the encamped Scots, they stepped into a patch of thistles with their barefeet, and of course cried out in pain, as the thorny thistle spikes imbedded themselves in their feet and legs. The thistle is akin to a weed that inflicts such spines and pain, the 'nettle'. The weed that keeps giving pain for hours after pricking the skin.
The Scots, having been awakened by these cries, were alerted to the invaders and able to fight off the attackers.
So, from that day, the Thistle has been adopted as Scotland's National Emblem. Everywhere you go in Scotland, you will see the emblem or picture of the Thistle. A dangerous little weedy flower, and it can be quite painful and destructive .......
just like a Scot!
It adorns countless products, services, organizations, etc., and can be seen everywhere, in Scotland.
Also you may want to read about: Tale joyfully presented by Scone,
The SALTIRE amd its memorial.
The LEGEND OF THE SALTIRE, -- Athelstaneford.
The LION RAMPANT, Scotland's other flag.
They are on pages of my menus at:
http://www.oocities.org/sconemac/index.html
Nancy MacCorkill, F.S.A. Scot
Author, Poet, presenter of songs and tales... :-)
Historian of the Ancient Clans of Scotland.
In Latin, "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" is the motto of the Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in Scotland.
A Scots translation is "Wha' Daur Meddle Wi Me?" - and my English version is close, the Royal site gives "No one harms me with impunity" which 'does' seem to lack punch! (Pun intended...) Thanks Mike....Scone
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