Dear Reader:
The other day, my history lover friend and teaching colleague, Carol Poole, shared one of the numerous legends that grew up around Scotland’s national flower-the thistle. Since my father’s side of the family all emigrated from Scotland and make up half my genealogy… I was especially interested in learning more stories from my once Scottish homeland.
Today this flower is associated with a famous historical incident that occurred between ( 1249- 1286) during the reign of King Alexander III. Since that time it has been recognized as Scotland’s national emblem.
No one is really sure of how the thistle came to be Scotland’s first national flower- there are many different versions of the story…but they seem to settle around the same central theme.
This is one of the more popularly accepted versions of the story. It all begins with a battle -the battle of Ayrshire in the 13th century.
A Norse army journeyed to Scotland, intent on conquering the land from them. The legend has it that they left their ships under cover of night… planning to surprise and ambush the Scottish clansmen while they slept.
In order to be as quiet as possible, the Norsemen removed their boots and/ or shoes. However, as they crept across the countryside meadows, one soldier stepped onto a thorny thistle. His cry of pain roused the sleeping Scots – the warriors rose up and defeated the invaders.
Today you see the thistle on everything from patriotic banners, flags, to gold and silver coins and tourist souvenirs , such as jewelry and keychains.
A long time tradition in Scotland has been the custom of pressing a silver or gold coin into the palm of a newborn’s fist… to wish him/her good fortune …in modern times the thistle is seen on the coin.
In case anyone is wondering what our national flower is…it’s the rose!
Apparently George Washington grew roses at Mt Vernon and today the White House Rose Garden has been the site of more historical events than any other… including weddings, birthdays, treaties, speeches and a place of beauty that the President can escape to… while weighing in on so many heavy issues that go with the job.
While I was in Mt Pleasant earlier this week… Jeff cut back my Yellow Jessamine -SC’s state flower- it was starting to grow onto the roof of the garage !!!
So until tomorrow… as Colin Powell warned in his book on leadership-My American Journey-” A leader must be doubly vigilant- Always check the ” small things.”
… like thorny thistles! It could reshape history.
Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh
ichaseferalcats
John Turner
Legally Ohm
Becky Dingle
Great stories. The red and white roses from the Wars of the Roses also affected history when the war was over and the houses of York and Lancaster were united by marriage, becoming the Tudors – with a pink rose.Also, the Poppy from the horrible Opium Wars in China, and a symbol from World War I. When my coffee kicks in I know others will “crop up.”Love you!Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Oh what fun! I will add an addendum to the post tomorrow… We will all be ready for our moment of Jeopardy!
Sent from my iPhone
As a matter of fact, I am watching the Scarlet Pimpernel, free on On Demand this week, with the girls. I love the movie and I always used it to teach about the French Revolution. If the author, Madame d’Orczy, had her way we would all believe that a small red flower helped end the Reign of Terror.Anyway, we have had a really good time with the girls. I know you are enjoying your little cuties as well. Take good care of yourself. So much love is attached to this little missive.💘Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone