Wild thistles blooming on a cool foggy morning...It is easy to be transported to the Highlands, to imagine traipsing in fields around the misty lochs, exploring ancient battlements. The Thistle is the national flower of Scotland (as the Shamrock is to Ireland, the Rose to England, and the Daffodil to Wales). Though some may consider it to be a noxious weed, the thistle works perfectly to represent the Scottish people and land. It is beautiful, with its delicate purple bloom yet sharp with thorns and resilient. Legend holds that Vikings were attacking a Scottish settlement in the night; to be stealthy they crept in barefoot as the Scots were asleep in town. The barefoot Vikings unknowingly stepped into some thistle, laden with thorns, and shouted in pain, alerting the Scottish, who woke and readied for battle. The thistle saved the day and it is said that from then on it became an emblem for Scotland.
This is one of my favorite souvenirs from our most recent journey to Scotland. It is a cast carving of a thistle done in a Celtic knot style. We picked it up at Canongate Crafts on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It is a tiny little gift shop, in my opinion the best one in Edinburgh - if not Scotland. Everything in the shop is made is Scotland. I've also bought from there: a ceramic vase, carved wooden coasters, a handmade button, a Celtic bronze necklace, and a stained glass medallion. They have even filmed some scenes from Outlander just outside the door! Check out my favorite wee shop HERE and HERE. They do take orders over the phone or email if you can't get to Edinburgh.
