The Thistle: A Symbol of Scotland and Pewter

If you are looking for a unique and meaningful gift for someone special, you might want to consider a pewter product with a thistle design. The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland and has a rich and fascinating history. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, meanings, and legends of the thistle, as well as some of the beautiful pewter products that feature this symbol.

The Origins of the Thistle as a Scottish Emblem

The thistle is believed to have been adopted as Scotland’s national emblem in the late 14th or early 15th century. The exact circumstances surrounding its selection as the national symbol are shrouded in mystery, but the most widely accepted story is that of a battlefield in the 13th century¹.

According to legend, a group of Norse invaders attempted to sneak up on a Scottish army encampment at night. One of the invaders stepped on a thistle and cried out in pain, alerting the Scots to the attack. The Scots then fought back and defeated the Norsemen. The thistle was seen as a sign of divine intervention and a protector of Scotland².

The first recorded use of the thistle as a royal symbol of Scotland was on silver coins issued by James III in 1470². From the early 16th century, it was incorporated into the Royal Arms of Scotland. In 1687, Scotland’s premier Order of Chivalry, the Order of the Thistle, was established by King James VII³. The order’s motto is “Nemo me impune lacessit”, which means “No one harms me without punishment” or more colloquially “Wha daurs meddle wi me”². The motto reflects the thistle’s prickly nature and its defensive role.

The Meanings and Symbolism of the Thistle

The thistle is not only a symbol of Scotland, but also of various qualities and values that are associated with Scottish culture and history. Some of the common meanings and symbolism of the thistle are:

• Resilience: The thistle is a hardy plant that can survive in harsh conditions and resist being eaten by animals. It represents overcoming adversity and difficult situations.
• Devotion: The thistle is a perennial plant that blooms every year. It represents loyalty, faithfulness, and commitment.
• Bravery: The thistle is a bold and striking plant that stands out from its surroundings. It represents courage, determination, and strength.
• Protection: The thistle is a spiny plant that wards off enemies and invaders. It represents security, defense, and safeguarding.
• Nobility: The thistle is a regal and elegant plant that has been used by royalty and nobility for centuries. It represents dignity, honour, and prestige.

The Pewter Products with Thistle Designs

At Pewter World, we offer an extensive variety of hand made pewter products with thistle designs for any special occasion. Whether you are looking for a gift for a birthday, anniversary, wedding, graduation, or retirement, we have something for everyone. Some of our popular pewter products with thistle designs are:

• Tankards: A tankard is a large drinking vessel with a handle and a lid. It is traditionally used for drinking ale or beer. We have various tankards with thistle designs, such as Thistle Handle Quarter Pint Pewter Mug, Thistle Handle Pewter Tankard and Thistle Pewter Tankard. These tankards can be personalised with engraving and make great gifts for anyone who enjoys a drink.
• Hip Flasks: A hip flask is a small container that is used to carry liquor. It is usually curved to fit the shape of the hip or thigh. We have various hip flasks with thistle designs, such as Thistle Round Pewter Picture Flask ,Round Pewter Thistle Flask, and Round Usquabae Single Thistle Pewter Flask . These hip flasks can be personalised with engraving and make great gifts for anyone who likes to have a sip on the go.
• Quaichs: A quaich is a shallow bowl with two handles that is used for drinking whisky or other spirits. It is also known as the “cup of friendship” or the “loving cup” because it is often shared among friends or family. We have various quaichs with thistle designs, such as Thistle Pewter Quaich Medium, Thistle Handle pewter Quaich , and Thistle Pewter Quaich Standard. These quaichs can be personalised with engraving and make great gifts for anyone who appreciates Scottish tradition and culture.