Scottish thistle: Did you know?
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The Scottish thistle is the oldest known “national flower.”
There are various stories about how the Scottish thistle became Scotland’s national flower. One legend we like best says that in the 13th century, a Norse army was planning to invade Scotland. They took off their shoes to sneak silently up on the sleeping Scots, but one of the Scottish enemies stepped on a prickly plant and let out a loud scream that woke the slumbering Scots. The Scots defeated their enemy gloriously and adopted the thistle as their national symbol.
The Latin motto of the Order of the Thistle is “Nemo me impune lacessit,” which means “No one attacks me with impunity.” -
There’s more than just one Scottish thistle
In Scotland, there isn’t just one, but several species of thistle. Some are native, others exotic, but which is the true symbol of Scotland? Is it the spear thistle or the musk thistle? Or perhaps the poetically named melancholic thistle or the thistle of Our Lady? And what about the cotton thistle?
Which one could it be? Your guess is as good as ours. -
The Scottish thistle inspired the poem *
* Forget “A Red, Red Rose,” Robert Burns’ ode to romantic love—the thistle is the inspiration behind one of the most beautiful and influential poems in Scottish literature. This epic stream-of-consciousness poem covers everything from the state of the nation and the mysteries of the universe to the joys of whisky. -
The Scottish Thistle is an honorary insignia
The thistle has been an important symbol of Scottish heraldry for over 500 years. It also represents one of the highest honors the country can bestow upon an individual. Founded in 1687 by James VII and II, the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is a knighthood awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to life in Scotland and the United Kingdom. Only His Majesty the King himself appoints members of the Order of the Thistle, which ranks directly below the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
5. The Scottish thistle can be found everywhere
Thistles aren’t just found in gardens, parks, and the countryside. Keep your eyes open, and you’ll spot the emblem all over Scotland. From the jerseys of the international rugby team and soccer clubs to local businesses and large organizations and corporations, all the way to police officers’ uniforms—see how many you can spot.
