The thistle is a symbol. The thistle is the national symbol of Scotland. See what "Thistle" is in other dictionaries
There are enough national symbols in Scotland, but let's try to figure out how real they are? The Apostle Andrew is a real character in Scottish history; bagpipes - a national instrument - a symbol of Scotland; coat of arms, flag and anthem - an attribute of power; unicorn - a real representative of the animal world, which is depicted on the Scottish coat of arms; tartan - a fabric with an ornament, from which, in particular, kilts are sewn; Thistle is a symbol of Scotland, most often depicted on banknotes. Thus, all the national symbols of Scotland can be attributed to quite real and tangible things, another thing is that over time, the citizens of Scotland created many imaginary nuances around these symbols, thought out and invented some non-existent stories, but, in principle, retaining their main idea .
Exists different versions stories of how the thistle became the official symbol of Scotland.
One of the legends tells that when the army of the Norwegian king Haakon (Haakon IV the Old) intended to conquer the Scots and landed in 1263 on the coast at Largs. In order to surprise the sleeping Scots, the warriors took off their shoes and advanced in complete silence under the cover of night.
But one of the Norwegians stepped on the thistle and his cries of unexpected pain naturally woke the Scots and they abruptly entered the battle, eventually defeating the Norwegians.
Another legend tells of the Danes who were about to attack one of the Scottish castles. They also took off their shoes, then decided to jump into the moat to swim to the castle, but the moat was not filled with water, but completely overgrown with thistles. One can only imagine the screams of the Danes that filled the neighborhood. And in this version, the victory went to the Scots.
No matter how true the stories are - there is no written historical evidence - the thistle has been a state symbol since the 13th century, from the reign of King Alexander III of Scotland. It was first used on silver coins in 1470, and in the time of James II Stuart (James VII as King of Scotland) the symbol was included in the shield of arms in the 16th century.
Scottish Thistle or Cotton Thistle (Onopordon Acanthium) or Scott's Thistle is one of the herbaceous plants widely distributed in England. We know it as prickly Tatarnik. It is found along the roadsides, in the most unexpected places, and the Scottish thistle prefers the chalky and sandy soils of the southern territories and the bright sun.
A biennial plant that blooms in late summer - early autumn, reaching two meters in height. The plant is very robust and branched, with wing-like descending branched stems wider than the plant's own diameter. The leaves are large, with sharp spines along the edges. In the first year, the plant presents a rosette of thorny, silvery-white foliage, hence the name cotton thistle. The following year, the flowers of grown thistles acquire a light purple (lavender) color and are surrounded by a spherical cover with sharp spines. Cotton Thistle is grown as ornamental plant because of the large foliage and beautiful flowers.
In general, which species of the thistle genus is the true historical Scottish thistle, even Scottish antique dealers cannot always determine, since it is not at all necessary that Scotland is the birthplace of Onopordon Acanthium.
It seems that the first heraldic use of the plant was already on the own inventory of the Scottish king James II, described after his death in 1458, embroidered thistles on the drapery. It is certain that the thistle was already a national symbol in 1503, when William Dunbar wrote his poetic allegory, The Thistle and the Rose, in honor of the wedding of James IV and Margaret Tudor.
Pliny, and after him the medieval authors, repeat that thistle decoction restores healthy hair growth very well.
The ancients believed that thistle was effective in malignant diseases, and in relatively modern times, thistle juice has been used effectively for ulcers and cancerous tumors. A decoction of the thistle root has astringent properties and affects the reduction of secretions from the mucous membranes.
Juicy receptacle in the old days was eaten like artichokes. The cotton fibers at the base were collected to fill the pillows. The oil obtained from the seeds was used in cooking, for fire in lamps. Young stems without rind are eaten in the same way as those of Greater Burdock.
The oldest and most noble Order of the Thistle, symbolized by the Scottish national flower, with the exception of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, one of the ancient orders established in 1540 by James V and restored by James VII in 1687. The expressive motto of the order, Nemo me impune lacessit (No one will attack me with impunity), eloquently describes the thistle as a symbol of retribution.
True, the true historical date of the establishment of the order is shrouded in legends, like the symbol of the thistle itself in Scotland. One of them says that allegedly in 809 the Scottish king Achaeus entered into an alliance with Charlemagne and the Order of the Thistle appeared to commemorate the alliance. There is another interesting legend about the same king Achaea, when he saw the cross of St. Andrew in the battle with Æthelstan, the Anglo-Saxon king. He established the order and dedicated it to Saint Andrew. The order may have been founded by James III, who was responsible for the change in royal symbolism in Scotland to include the thistle. James V is said to have bestowed the insignia, "Order of the Burr or Thissil", as a reciprocal award to Francis I of France in 1535.
But during the years of the Reformation, the order seemed to cease to exist, until in 1687 James VII restored it with a new law to reward those who supported his political and religious views. According to one clause of the charter, it was required that "clothes be studded with golden thistles." According to the charter, the Order consisted of the Sovereign and twelve knight brothers, remembering the Savior and his Twelve Apostles.
After James VII, the order once again came out and was used, but was restored in 1703 by Queen Anne, the number of knights included in the order still remained twelve. Despite the Jacobite risings in 1715 and 1745, James the Old Pretender and the Young Pretender or Pretender Prince Charlie appointed Knights of the Order of the Thistle (and the Order of the Garter) during the years of exile. The first Hanoverians also rewarded Scottish nobles who supported the Hanoverians and the Protestant faith.
Interest in the order was renewed when George IV wore the order while visiting Scotland in 1822. By the charter of 1827, additional knight brothers were established (a total of 16 people), and in 1987, according to the charter, ladies could also join the order. Additionally, knights and ladies of the Order of the Thistle are appointed according to a special charter. So among the non-component cavaliers and ladies of the Order of the Thistle is Princess Anna (Princess Royal), who entered the order in June 2001 and for the first time in more than 200 years in 1962 King Olaf V of Norway was admitted to the order.
Sovereign of the Order of the Thistle - Elizabeth II.
Thistle is a beautiful and thorny flower - the national symbol of Scotland. Literally everything in this country is decorated with it, for example, coins, flags, coats of arms and T-shirts, souvenirs and jewelry with thistles are especially popular. This plant is admired and loved by the inhabitants of Scotland, for which it received the name "Scottish rose" from them.
Of course, about this symbol, like about any other, there is a local legend. Once, the warriors of Scotland fell asleep, not suspecting that Scandinavian pirates were approaching them. The Vikings almost managed to sneak up unnoticed, because for silent movement they took off their shoes. But with their bare feet, the unfortunate attackers landed in a thistle, from the thorns of which they began to scream at the weight of the forest.
The Scottish warriors heard these cries and successfully defended themselves from the attack by defeating the enemy. In connection with this legend, the thistle is also called the Guardian.
Historians cannot reliably confirm the reality of this story, but the possibility of such a case cannot be denied either. In favor of him is the fact that in different parts of Scotland they tell this story in their own way, with slight changes, as well as the thistle itself, which has freely grown over the fields of Scotland.
The Scots are sure that their character is similar to the character of the thistle - picky, proud, invincible.
Thistle
The thistle has been considered a symbol of Scotland for over six centuries. His image is minted on silver coins of the 15th century, or rather 1470.
The symbolism of this plant was so significant that in 1687 the Knightly Order of the Thistle was established. One of its symbols is a chain of gold, each link of which depicts this plant. The order's motto is: "No one angers me with impunity." The head of the Knightly Order of the Thistle is the monarch of Great Britain, now Queen Elizabeth.
Traditionally, the thistle is considered a simple plant, unsightly and unsightly. In fact, he is quite attractive and graceful. The flower of the plant itself is especially pleasant, pale purple, fluffy and soft. Everyone knows about the thistle thorns, which are so sharp and dangerous that they can injure human skin.
In addition to external qualities, the thistle also has magical fame. Based on the name, one can guess that this plant drove away evil spirits. The smoke of the burning plant fumigated the dwelling and the barn. The flower itself was worn behind a belt or threaded into a buttonhole to ward off evil spirits.
The national symbols of Scotland include the coat of arms and flag (attributes of power), the bagpipe ( musical instrument), painted on the coat of arms), tartan (the fabric from which kilts are sewn), thistles (found on banknotes) and the real character of Scottish history - the Apostle Andrew.
Therefore, all of the above symbols can be attributed to quite real things. But the fact is that many citizens of Scotland have created imaginary features around these objects - they thought up and invented various stories, while not changing the history of their origin.
The symbol of Scotland is the thistle
This thorny weed is endowed with semi-official symbol power in this country. According to history, it was the thistle that saved the army of King Kenneth II from certain death in 990. The Scots were fast asleep and did not expect an attack at night. The Danes wanted to kill everyone, but one of the warriors stepped on a thorny weed with his bare foot and woke up the whole camp with his cry. The Scottish army quickly woke up, as a result, the enemy army was defeated. This weed turned out to be a thistle, and the Scots decided that it was to him that they owed their victory, and not at all to the courage and strength of the warriors.
Thistle - a symbol of Scotland - is depicted on many coins, emblems and coats of arms, sold in souvenir shops and grows in the fields. The thorn bush was first used as an emblem in 1470. And in 1687, the Order of the Thistle was even created, which includes members. Members of the order wear chains of gold. The links of this decoration are made of thistles. Their motto is: "No one makes me angry with impunity."
The symbol of Scotland - the flag
The next attribute of this country is We know it as a symbol. Only the banner of Scotland has a blue background, and the cross is white, while our maritime flag has the colors reversed. There is also an unofficial attribute of power in this northern country - a red lion depicted on a yellow background. It is often used as the second national symbol of Scotland, although it is not authorized by law in Britain.
Symbol of Scotland - coat of arms
Before England and Scotland united, the coat of arms looked very different. Some elements disappeared over time, and now only the lion reminds of the former
Symbol of Scotland - whiskey and tartan
Scotch whiskey is a special cult. This drink is sold almost everywhere. You can also see the production process, taste various varieties And so on.
Now about tartan. This is a special ornament on the fabric and one of the types of wool weaving, which is used when sewing national clothes: kilts, scarves and much more. Now the first thing that is associated with Scotland is the tartan check. And there were times when the British, in an effort to destroy all the symbols of Scottish life, banned tartan.
"Nemo me impune lacessit" - "No one touches me with impunity." This motto of Scotland is not just a hymn to the thistle, but it speaks of wariness and resentment. It is possible that the Scots, with their bagpipes and kilts, are defending themselves against the English, who have always wanted to break them. And all these defiant attributes are the same thorns as those of a plant from the aster family.
Thistle is a wild-growing weed plant, reaching a height of about a meter and even one and a half, with a straight stem, its branches and leaves are covered with thorns, which, when touched, can sting strongly.
Thistle flower is a large basket that has a beautiful purple color.
In Christianity, this plant did not gain popularity, it was perceived as symbol of sin and great evil, even in icon painting - the images of the great martyrs are necessarily framed with thistle tendrils.
In magic, it is considered the strongest amulet against dark forces, a talisman against the evil eye and damage. If you hang it in front of the entrance to the dwelling, then no evil spirits will enter the house.
But this flower has won a special love among the people of Scotland.
All thanks to the fact that he became the unwitting defender of this country, playing the role of the best sentry.
There is such a legend:
Since then, it has been a symbol of courage and retribution. And according to the Scots, it has a warlike character.
King James II adopted this flower as the main symbol of Scotland and ordered the minting of coins, a thistle flower appeared in the country's coat of arms.
The knightly Order of the Thistle was also founded.
A distinctive sign of the adherents of this Order were such regalia as
But not only in Scotland this plant is valued.
.- In the coat of arms of the city of Nancy in France, there is also a thistle flower. It is depicted there in honor of the historical defense of the city from the troops of the Duke of Burgundy Charles the Bold. And the motto on the coat of arms, to some extent, coincides with the motto of the Order - "Who touches, he pricks"
To broaden my horizons, I bring to your attention articles:
generic name thistle- lat. Cárduus comes from the ancient Latin name applied to thorny plants. The Russian name for this plant is thistle- is a compound word, the first part of which is “damn”, the second is from the verb polohat ‘to scare’, to alarm ‘to be frightened’.
In the Russian tradition, thistle in its own way magical properties considered a plant-amulet. Travelers stocked up on the road with voschanka (fabric soaked in wax), in which the thistle was boiled. To do this, at Christmas time, the thistle is first placed under the pillow for seven days and nights. On the last, eighth night of the Christmas time, they bring him to the “old woman adapter. She brews it, with special rituals, with wax and incense. The boiled wax wax is sewn into the amulet. It was believed that the wearer of the amulet was protected on the way from the machinations of evil spirits.
According to ancient tradition, the thistle can destroy evil signs and cast out demonic forces.
In Roman mythology, Ceres, goddess of the harvest and patroness of fertility, lights a torch from dry thistles.
With the spread of Christianity, the thistle began to be considered a symbol of sin, sorrow and the curse of God during the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise: “cursed is the earth for you; in sorrow you will eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles she will grow for you” (Gen. 3:17-18) “Images of martyrs are often framed with thistle tendrils.”
In pre-Christian Scotland, the thistle was considered a sacred plant by the Scottish clans and became the official emblem of the country. According to legend, the thistle helped the Scots repel the attack and completely defeat the Danes, when the latter, trying to secretly get close to them barefoot at night, fell into the thistle thickets and could not help screaming, thereby revealing their presence.
In 1702, together with the motto Nemomeimpunelacessit- "No one touches me without getting hurt" thistle appeared on the British coat of arms. The thistle was also depicted on the breastplate of the “Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle”, the cavaliers of which are inferior in rank only to the cavaliers of the Order of the Garter.
The symbol of the thistle is associated with war, and perhaps this connection goes back to the ancient beliefs described by Pliny, according to which thistle, when a pregnant woman eats it, leads to the birth of only sons. Images of Christian martyrs were often framed with thistle tendrils.
In the Middle Ages, it was believed that thistles could cure melancholy and plague. He was credited with the ability to heal even at a distance. The witches assured that any sore on the leg of a pet would pass if “by day, collect a red thistle and put one on each corner of the compass with a stone in the middle,” while spells should be cast.
Used materials:
- Barbara Walker, Symbols, sacrals, sacraments;
- John Foley. Encyclopedia of signs and symbols;
- Philippa Waring Popular Dictionary of Omens and Omens.
