The national symbols of Scotland include the coat of arms and flag (attributes of power), bagpipes ( musical instrument), drawn on the coat of arms), tartan (the fabric from which kilts are made), thistle (found on banknotes) and a real character in Scottish history - St. Andrew the Apostle.
Consequently, all of the above symbols can be attributed to very real things. But the fact is that many citizens of Scotland created imaginary features around these objects - they thought out and came up with various stories, without changing the history of their origin.
The symbol of Scotland is the thistle.
This thorny weed has semi-official symbolic power in this country. If you believe 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 barefoot on a thorny weed and woke up the entire camp with his scream. The Scottish army quickly woke up, and as a result the enemy army was defeated. This weed turned out to be a thistle, and the Scots decided that it was to it that they owed their victory, and not at all to the courage and strength of the warriors.
The thistle, a symbol of Scotland, is depicted on many coins, emblems and coats of arms, sold in souvenir shops and grows in fields. The thorny 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 made of gold. The links of this decoration are made of thistles. Their motto is: “No one will anger me with impunity.”
Symbol of Scotland - flag
The next attribute of this country is that it is familiar to us as a symbol. Only the banner of Scotland has a blue background and the cross is white, and our naval flag has the colors in reverse. This northern country also has an unofficial attribute of power - a red lion depicted on a yellow background. It is often used as Scotland's second national symbol, although it is not authorized by British law.
Symbol of Scotland - coat of arms
Before England and Scotland united, the coat of arms looked completely different. Some elements have 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 watch the production process, taste different varieties, etc.
Now about tartan. This is a special pattern on fabric and one of the types of wool weaving that is used in sewing national clothes: kilts, scarves and much more. Nowadays the first thing that is associated with Scotland is tartan. And there were times when the British, in an effort to destroy all symbols of Scottish life, banned tartan.
“Nemo me impune lacessit” - “No one will touch 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 always wanted to break them. And all these defiant attributes are the same spines as those of a plant from the Asteraceae family.
The Christian religion has done everything to denigrate and discredit the proud flower, always ready to stand up for itself. Thistle aroused hostility among the clergy because it did not want to show humility, and yet humility is the main foundation and main requirement of any religion. Therefore, in Christianity, the wayward plant was anathematized and branded as a symbol of evil and sin, accused of fierce malice that oppresses virtue.
Already in biblical mythology, the thistle, bred under the name of thistle, appears as a symbol of God's punishment for the sins of Adam. This is clear from the words of the angry Creator addressed to our common ancestor:
“...Cursed is the earth for your sake; with sorrow you will eat from it all the days of your life. She will bring forth thorns and thistles for you; and you will eat the grass of the field” (Gen. 3:17-18).
In Christian iconography, the thorny thistle has become an emblem of martyrdom. True, the Savior’s suffering on the cross was usually conveyed by another thorny thorn - the crown of thorns, but the images of many holy martyrs were framed by thistle tendrils.
And yet, the churchmen did not manage to trample into the mud the reputation of the glorious hero from the kingdom of Flora - he had too many merits, both imaginary and real. In folk magic, since time immemorial, this fighting plant, capable of causing a stir among the minions of Satan, has been recognized as a powerful amulet. It was believed that thistle reliably protects against damage and the evil eye, magical spells and dark enchantments, and when hung above the doors of a house, it guarantees its inhabitants complete immunity from evil spirits.
In military affairs, the merits of thistle are even more obvious. We have special love and gratitude for him Scottish Highlanders, whose glorious ancestors he once saved from death, playing the role of a vigilant sentinel. This story dates back to the 8th century, when Europe, having become acquainted with the rage of the merciless Normans, shuddered with horror. The Danes, the fiercest of the Vikings, landed one unfortunate day on the east coast of Scotland. The Scottish Highlanders, separated from them by the river, were not particularly worried, believing that the enemy would not cross the river at night. The light of the fires on the opposite bank had a calming effect on the tired warriors who made a rapid march - a rush to the coast. One by one they fell into deep sleep, not even suspecting how many chances they had of waking up dead. Having lulled the vigilance of the Scots with false inaction, the Danes, who had scouted out the fords in advance, crossed the river that same night. Approaching the unguarded sleeping camp, the Danes took off their shoes and silently moved on. This would have been the end of the careless Scotts, but it so happened that in the darkness the enemies landed with their bare feet in a thicket of thistles. Screams and curses were heard, awakening the sleeping warriors. The Scotts grabbed axes and with a united onslaught swept the lame barefoot army into the river. Since then, the thistle savior has become an idol of the Scots.
This love manifested itself in emblems already in 809, when King Ahij, according to legend, founded the Order of the Thistle. However, practically nothing is known about the activities of the order in those distant times, so the official date of foundation (or restoration) of the knightly Order of the Thistle is considered to be 1687.
The distinctive sign of the holder of the order was a four-pointed star with a thistle emblem in the center and a proud motto inscribed around the emblem: “No one will insult me with impunity!” The second regalia was a neck chain of the order with golden thistle flowers alternating along the upper and lower edges. The sixteen Knights of the Order (exclusively Scots) wore dark green corduroy robes and black corduroy hats.
Establishing the Order of the Thistle, King James II of Great Britain (1685-1689) cherished the secret hope of relying on his knights in the fight against the obstinate English parliament and the rebellious bourgeoisie. However, the king’s policy aimed at strengthening absolutism and restoring former influence catholic church, caused such a wave of indignation in the country that the very next year James II was forced to flee to France, and a year later, in 1689, parliament officially removed him from the throne. This bloodless coup d’etat entered the history of England under the name of the “Glorious Revolution.”
In heraldry, the national emblem of courage and fortitude in the form of a stem with a red flower corolla and two green wavy leaves adorned the coat of arms of Scotland, and later the coats of arms of Great Britain and Nova Scotia (province of Canada). In the coat of arms of Nancy, the historical capital of Lorraine, the thistle is depicted in memory of the heroic hero. defense of the city in 1477 from the troops of the powerful Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold. The motto in the coat of arms of Nancy warns: “Whoever touches will be pricked.” And this is not empty bravado - just remember the fate of Charles the Bold, who laid down his violent head under the walls of the said city.
It is also thistle, thistle, prickly tartar, thistle, prickly burdock, etc.
In total, there are about 120 species of thistle: thistle is prickly, sea thistle, curly thistle, drooping thistle, small-headed thistle, Termere's thistle, giant artichoke is also a thistle, milk thistle (milk thistle), etc. Due to the many species and external similarity, they are often confused in names, the word thistle loses its individuality and acquires a general meaning.
Thistle symbol of Scotland. This plant is not simple, it has an interesting legend and history. On the one hand, thistle is a prickly herbaceous plant, a weed with which many constantly struggle, and on the other hand, it is a highly revered plant, which is depicted on the coat of arms of Scotland and is their symbol. Named after thistle knightly order- "Thistle". The motto of the order is: no one will touch me with impunity.
They say that behind its thorns hides a vulnerable soul, capable of self-sacrifice and mutual assistance. In Christian symbolism, its thorns symbolize the torment of Jesus Christ, as well as sin, malice encroaching on virtue (Job, 31). This plant was used in religious rituals as a herb capable of driving away evil spirits and evil in general.
Thistle (tartar grass) is a biennial prickly herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae family. The stem is erect, branched in the upper part, up to 2 meters high. The leaves are spiny, toothed, the flowers are in spiny baskets, have bright purple. The baskets are mostly single, or several at the tops of the stem and branches.
Thistle blooms in June - August. Distributed in the southern regions of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic States, Tatarstan, etc. It grows in wastelands, near roads, near housing, on steppe and sandy slopes.
Thistle - application, properties. For treatment, flower baskets and leafy shoots of the plant, collected at the beginning of flowering, are used; their taste is bitter.
The drugs have a cardiotonic effect, increase the strength of heart contractions, constrict peripheral vessels, increase arterial pressure and increase diuresis.
In addition, they increase the tone of smooth muscles, have a hemostatic and some bactericidal effect. In Bulgaria, a decoction of the herb tartarnik (thistle) is used for coughs, asthma, palpitations, for rinsing and compresses with skin diseases.
IN folk medicine- for malignant tumors and hemorrhoids. In domestic medicine, Tatarnik is used in the form of a decoction to treat purulent wounds, malignant tumors and in the treatment of tetanus.
Doctors in some countries use it as a prophylactic after surgery - removal of malignant tumors, as well as for skin cancer, ulcers, lupus and scrofulosis.
In addition, prickly tartar is used for rheumatism, as a diuretic, for bladder diseases, colds, in the form of a decoction or powder.
Thistle decoction(tatarnik): 1 tbsp. l. crushed dry inflorescences, pour 1 glass of water, boil for 3-4 minutes, leave for 1 hour, strain, drink for insomnia, neuroses, half a glass 3-4 times a day.
Decoction of thistle roots: use tartar roots, 1 tbsp. l. crushed roots, pour 300 ml of water, bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for 8-10 minutes, strain after cooling. Drink for bronchitis, 3-4 times a day, 0.5 cups.
Thistle oil. The oil is made from milk thistle (milk thistle), pressed from the seeds using a press. It has wound-healing, anti-burn and hepatoprotective properties and is not inferior in biological activity sea buckthorn oil. Milk thistle has long been known as a liver cleanser and healer.
Milk thistle is a type of thistle that has special property, allowing its use as an antiallergic agent. It suppresses the production of histamines in the body associated with allergic reactions and headaches, which is another reason why it is so popular.
Infusion of Tartar leaves(thistle): 1 tbsp. a spoonful of crushed dry leaves of tartar for 1 cup of boiling water, leave in a sealed container for 1 hour, strain. Take half a glass 2-3 times a day for cystitis, urethritis, colds, swelling of various origins, hemorrhoids. Use a stronger infusion for washing purulent wounds, ulcers and boils.
Tartar prickly is used to enrich mixed teas against coughs and bronchitis, as well as against urinary retention.
Tatar juice, powder(thistle). Also, for tetanus, rheumatism, gout, kidney diseases, bladder diseases and persistent spastic cough, use juice from fresh tartar leaves (take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day), or powder from leaves, without thorns (take orally 1 teaspoon 3 times a day).
Tatar flower syrup: Throw 150 g of flower baskets into 300 ml. water and add 100 g of sugar. Reduce by half over low heat and strain. Store in the refrigerator or cool place. For coughs, colds, bronchial asthma, laryngitis, take 1 teaspoon 4-6 times a day before meals.
Thistle, contraindications. Experimental research It has been established that tartar preparations are low-toxic and do not cause side effects with long-term use. But the dosage still needs to be adhered to.
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Generic name thistle- lat. Cárduus comes from the ancient Latin name, applied to thorny plants. Russian name this plant - thistle- represents compound word, the first part of which is “devil”, the second is from the verb polokhat ‘to scare’, to alarm ‘to be frightened’.
In the Russian tradition, thistles have their own magical properties considered a plant-amulet. Travelers stocked up on the road with wax (fabric soaked in wax), in which thistles were boiled. To do this, at Christmas time thistles are first placed under the pillow for seven days and nights. On the last, eighth night of Christmastide, they bring it to the “old lady of the transition.” She cooks it with special rituals, with wax and incense. The boiled wax is sewn into the amulet.” It was believed that the wearer of the amulet was protected on the journey from the machinations of evil spirits.
According to ancient tradition, thistle can destroy evil signs and drive out demonic forces.
In Roman mythology, Ceres, goddess of the harvest and patroness of fertility, lights a torch made of 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 your sake; you will eat from it in sorrow all the days of your life; thorns and thistles she will bring forth 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 of the Scottish clans and became the official emblem of the country. According to legend, the thistle helped the Scots to repel the attack and completely defeat the Danes when the latter, trying to secretly approach them barefoot at night, fell into the thistle thickets and could not restrain their screams, thereby revealing their presence.
In 1702, along with the motto Nemomeimpunelacessit- “No one will touch me without getting hurt” the 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 holders of which are second in rank only to the holders of the Order of the Garter.
The symbol of the thistle is associated with war and perhaps this connection goes back to ancient beliefs described by Pliny, according to which the thistle, when fed to a pregnant woman, results in the birth of only sons. Images of Christian martyrs were often framed with thistle tendrils.
In the Middle Ages, it was believed that thistle could cure melancholy and plague. He was credited with the ability to heal even at a distance. The witches assured that any sore on a pet’s leg would go away if “you collect red thistles during the day and put one on each corner of the compass with a stone in the middle,” while spells should be read.
Used materials:
- Barbara Walker, Symbols, Sacraments, Sacraments;
- John Foley. Encyclopedia of Signs and Symbols;
- Philippa Wareing A popular dictionary of omens and omens.