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How
did the Thistle become the emblem of Scotland?
On
a dark autumn night of 1263, during the reign of Scottish King Alexander
III, the Vikings came ashore in barefoot to Scotland at Largs, lead by
King Haakon IV. History is uncertain if they were intent upon a full
invasion of Scotland, or were showing their power by raiding the
surrounding villages. Other historians' claim that a fierce storm had
driven many of their longboats ashore and they were merely retrieving
them.
Many of the castles along the western coast were on guard against such
raids and a possible Viking invasion. It was one such watch who heard the
cries of pain of the Vikings and their leader as their bare feet walked on
thistles. This alerted the Scots in time to see off the Vikings, thus
saving Scotland from an invasion and possible Viking rule. The role of the
thistle was then understood, and was chosen as Scotland's symbol and
emblem.
The first use of the thistle as the Emblem of Scotland was on silver coins
in 1470.
In 1687, James II founded the Most Ancient Order of The Thistle, which
consisted of The Monarch and 16 trusted knights. Their motto was "Nemo
me impune lacessit" which translates to "No-one harms me without
punishment" but more commonly translated to Auld Scots as "Wha
daurs meddle wi me" - referring to the fearsome guardian knights and
the armed thistles.

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