Meaning of The Scottish Thistle

Given the legend surrounding the Scottish thistle, the plant clearly connotes bravery, courage, and loyalty in the face of treachery. The tough, painful spikes of the plant itself suggest endurance and fortitude. Thistle's vibrant pink or purple color represents royalty and nobility, as well as the nobility of character. As plant expert Arthur Lee Jacobson says about another thistle, "Though we cannot beat, nor like, nor use the damn thing, we must at least respect it as a formidable foe."

• The thistle is renowned in Scotland where it is not only the country's national emblem but also the base of Scotland's ancient order of chivalry known as "The Order of the Thistle."

• Given the legend surrounding the Scottish thistle, the plant clearly connotes bravery, courage, and loyalty in the face of treachery.

By: Teo Spengler

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