THE THISTLE

Frequent Viking invasions on Scotland during this period had taken their tolls on the Scots. Although it was deemed cowardly and dishonorable to assault a sleeping foe the Vikings adopted a practice of sneak attacks in the dead of night. Invading Vikings hoped to stealthily attack Staines Castle (in the Shire of Aberdeen). So they removed their boots as they advanced the sleeping Scots.

But the Scots had filled the castle’s dry moat with thousands of thistles. The anguished cries of the enemy betrayed their presence… and the Danes were soundly defeated. To commemorate this victory, the flower became the emblem of Scotland.

And it is through our Scottish heritage that we continue celebrating the significance of the thistle.

It represents and is associated with self-protection, impenetrability, austerity and resilience.

Over time the thistle has also become associated with the worldly love of Aphrodite as well as the loving compassion of the Virgin Mary. Because of this the thistle is attributed with the properties of love that endures suffering and labor that endures hardship.

The thistle represents one who is very barbed on the outside but is completely soft on the inside.