What is Scotch thistle? – DIY gardens
There are many flowers on this planet. However, some of them stand out more than others, either because of their beauty, their properties, or the meaning we give them on a symbolic level. The latter is usually closely related to the region in which we live. It is possible that here a given plant has no significance, and in another place it may even be the country’s emblem. This is the case with Scotch thistle, which we will talk about in this post.
So don’t hesitate to continue reading if you want to find out what the connection is between this precious plant and the country of Great Britain. we will explain what is thistle and what is its importance in Scotland, commenting on some of the legends associated with him. I hope you find this information intriguing!
What is thistle?
Before we explain the importance of thistle in Scotland, let’s first discuss what exactly this vegetable is. Well, it is a plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae whose scientific name is Cynara cardunculus. It comes from North Africa and the Mediterranean area of Europe. It should be noted that thistle is not only a very stunning flower, but is also edible. It has a quite exquisite taste and is low in calories, which makes it an ideal vegetable in any diet.
Within a year of planting, thistle produces a rosette of very gigantic leaves that can reach a length of up to one meter. In the second year of life, a ribbed stem emerges from the center of the rosette. This stem can measure up to 150 centimeters. It ends in a branch at the top. It has very gigantic flower heads that produce artichokes. Apart from, It has tubular flowers of purple color and a feathery texture. They are very impressive and extremely decorative.
It should be noted that the stems of this vegetable are covered with diminutive thorns. They are so diminutive that you can barely see them, but if they come into contact with our skin, they can do a lot of damage. It is to avoid this stinging pain that various thistle crops have been developed that do not have thorns, making it easier to harvest the artichokes.
What does thistle mean in Scotland?
The exact origins of the thistle as a symbol of Scotland are unknown. Historically, however, its first appearance dates back to the mid-15th century, in some sources during the reign of Mary Stuart’s great-grandfather, King James III. By the end of the same century, this flower had already become one of the two most popular symbols of this country, next to the flag of the Cross of St. Andrew. Its fame was such that it even appeared on coins of the time.
There are several legends associated with this flower that could explain why it became a symbol of this country, but we will discuss them later. It is likely that this fact has its origins in the conventional operate of thistle in Scotland. It was widely used, for example, to decorate dishes. It was also used to decorate weapons that were once awarded the prestigious Order of the Thistle.
And what is this order? Its original English name is “The oldest and most noble Order of the Thistle“, which translates as “The Most Antique and Noble Order of the Thistle.” It is nothing else than the second most significant order of knights in all of Great Britain, second to the Order of the Garter. Of course Scotland is the most honorable. Also in this case, its origin is unknown, although it is speculated that it was created in the mid-15th century by James III. The motto of this knightly order is the same as the motto of Scotland: «No one provokes me with impunity«. This phrase is in Latin and means: “No one provokes me with impunity.”
Legends and curiosities related to the Scottish thistle
As we mentioned above, the historical origins of the thistle as a symbol of Scotland are unknown. However, there is a legend that may shed some lithe on this subject, although of course we will never know whether it is true or not. It takes place in the behind schedule Middle Ages, when the Scots fought against the Vikings. According to what they say, a group of Nordic warriors intended to attack a group of the former. However, one of the Vikings accidentally stepped on a thistle. As the thorns of that flower pierced him, he couldn’t lend a hand but cry out in pain. Of course, the Scots were alerted and managed to save themselves. Thanks to this miraculous event, the thistle became the protector of warriors and, consequently, the national flower of Scotland.
They say so too Queen Mary Stuart loved this stunning plant, especially for decoration. According to what they say, this flower appeared in the expansive majority of fabrics and embroideries he made. In fact, this queen owned a gold ring engraved with a thistle necklace. This royal jewel is still in the British Museum. It is also worth noting that in the abbey where the Queen is buried, Westminster, there is a carving of a Scottish thistle to preserve her memory.
For those of you who don’t know much about Scottish history, Queen Mary Stuart was executed at Fotheringhay Castle in England. Later James VI, her son, would destroy it. According to legend, the Scottish Queen placed the gold ring in this place. It is said that every summer since his tragic death, thistles called “Queen Mary’s Tears” bloom around the castle.
It is very intriguing how something as elementary as a flower can have such a high emblematic and national value. The Scottish thistle is a truly stunning flower, perfect for representing this country.