The thistle is the national flower of Scotland and appears on many national emblems. Legend has it that a bare foot Viking invader stepped on one of these prickly plants at night and cried out, so alerting the sleeping Scottish warriors.
The first use of the thistle as a royal symbol of Scotland was on silver coins issued by King James III in 1470.
What an amazing colour. Thistles here are always lavender colour. It is an appropriate photo for me as we were watching the British Open at St Andrews on tv all weekend. (SA's Louis Oosthuizen won and we were thrilled.) It looks a very beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully pictured! I love legends, and Scotland seems to have many :D
ReplyDeleteCaroline , I watched the Open too; well done Louis, but I think he forgot to thank his caddie at the end.
ReplyDeleteKaori; thanks, Scotlands a great place , but not when the midges come out to play
ReplyDeleteYes I also wondered - he gave him a hug but I was interested to hear the caddie's name and he didnt say it. But I suppose he was under a lot of pressure! Imagine speaking to that crowd.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo. I love thistles and this photo captures their vibrancy.
ReplyDeleteThanks
thanks Caroline & Marian
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