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How did the Thistle,
the little purple, prickly flower that grows wild in the fields of the Scottish Highlands become the Emblem of Scotland?
Well there are numerous stories regaling how this prickly flower gained the honor, but no one knows for sure.
The most popular story has it that sometime during the 13th Century, around 1263, the King of Norway, King Haakon IV, decided
to carry on a campaign against the Scots. During one of those battles, the Scots knowing the highlands well, took rest in
the fields surrounded by the Prickly Purple Thistle. The Norse, believing that they had darkness as an advantage, set on attacking
while the Scots slept. They removed their protective footwear in order not to make noise and crept up on the resting Scots.
The "Barefooted Norsemen" found themselves being scratched and scarred by the prickly flower and cried out in pain, thus awaking
the sleeping Scots who then defeated the Norse. Since then the Thistle has been seen as a reminder to all that no one can
mess with the Scots without feeling the pain of the Thistle.
So when did the Scottish start
using the Thistle as it's Emblem? Well the Thistle appeared in coins and drawings both prior to the Norse invasion and after
their defeat. The Thistle is believed to have become the official emblem of Scotland during the reign of Alexander III. The Thistle as an emblem was later
adopted by King James V as the emblem for the Order of the Thistle, in the 16th Century. The Order of the Thistle was originally
to represent the King and 12 of his Knights and was to be modeled after our Savior Jesus Christ and his 12 disciples. The
Order of the Thistle was later revised and opened to others including women.
You will see the Thistle in the form
of pins, broaches, and Sgian Dubh
(this is the knife which is worn in the top of a stocking as part of traditional Scottish
highland dress). You will 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 and means "No one harms me without punishment", and reminds us of the Norses who
tried to attack the sleepy Scots and were stung by the beautiful purple, yet prickly Thistle.
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