There are numerous stories about how the Thistle gained the honor of becoming the Scottish National Emblem but the one we enjoy the most (and is the most popular) is the legend of how the thistle saved the country in the Middle Ages. Sometime around 1263, in the 13th century, King Haakon IV, the King of Norway, began a campaign against the Scots. During one battle, the Scots took rest in the fields of the Scottish Highlands surrounded by the prickly, purple thistles. Believing the darkness an advantage, the Norse landed at the Coast of Largs at night deciding to surprise attack the sleeping Clansmen. Removing their boots to avoid making noise they crept on bare feet toward the sleeping Scottish army. But instead shrieks of pain shattered the darkness as the Vikings stepped on the scratchy, prickly flower. The Scots were able to spring to action defeating the Norse, driving them from their shores. Since then the Thistle has been a reminder that no one can mess with the Scots without feeling the pain of the thistle.
There are coins and drawings both prior to the Norse invasion and after their defeat where the thistle appears. Therefore, it is believed the thistle became the official emblem of Scotland sometime during the reign of Alexander III.
The Thistle is also the emblem for the Order of the Thistle. The foundation of the Order of the Thistle is buried in history. Legend has it founded when King Achaius made an alliance with the Emperor Charlemagne in 809. It has also been credited to Robert the Bruce on the battlefield of Bannockburn. Some claim it was founded by James II, who adopted the thistle as his badge and also bore it on his coins. Still others state it was established by James V in 1540.
Originally, the Order of the Thistle was to represent the King and 12 of his Knights as a model after our Savior Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples. A statute of 1827 established the complement of Knights Brethren at 16 and in 1987 a statute enabled ladies to join the Order. Extra knights may be created by special statute. If there are vacancies in the Order, appointments are announced on St Andrew's Day (30 November).
Thistles can be found in the form of pins, broaches, print pictures, paintings, drawings and Skean Dhu's (a Skean Dhu is the knife which is worn in the top of a stocking as part of traditional Scottish highland dress). You can also see it on flags and plaques. The thistle is often surrounded by the words "Nemo me impune lacessit" which is found on the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s highest honor; the breast star badge of the order is pictured above) and means "No one harms me with impunity", commonly translated in Scottish as "Wha daurs meddle wi me". |
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