Symbol of Scotland in English. Symbol of Scotland: national and cultural symbols of the country
The national symbols of Scotland include the coat of arms and flag (attributes of power), bagpipes (musical instrument) depicted on the coat of arms), tartan (fabric from which kilts are made), thistle (found on banknotes) and a real character in Scottish history - Apostle Andrew.
Consequently, all of the above symbols can be attributed to very real things. But the fact is that many citizens of Scotland created imaginary features around these objects - they thought of it and came up with various stories, without changing the history of their origin.
The symbol of Scotland is the thistle.
This thorny weed has semi-official symbolic power in this country. If you believe history, it was the thistle that saved the army of King Kenneth II from certain death in 990. The Scots were fast asleep and did not expect an attack at night. The Danes wanted to kill everyone, but one of the warriors stepped barefoot on a thorny weed and woke up the entire camp with his scream. The Scottish army quickly woke up, and as a result the enemy army was defeated. This weed turned out to be a thistle, and the Scots decided that it was to it that they owed their victory, and not at all to the courage and strength of the warriors.
The thistle, a symbol of Scotland, is depicted on many coins, emblems and coats of arms, sold in souvenir shops and grows in fields. The thorny bush was first used as an emblem in 1470. And in 1687, the Order of the Thistle was even created, which includes members. Members of the order wear chains made of gold. The links of this decoration are made of thistles. Their motto is: “No one will anger me with impunity.”
Symbol of Scotland - flag
The next attribute of this country is We are familiar with it as a symbol. Only the banner of Scotland has a blue background, and the cross is white, but ours maritime flag the colors are reversed. Is in this northern country and an unofficial attribute of power - a red lion depicted on a yellow background. It is often used as Scotland's second national symbol, although it is not authorized by British law.
Symbol of Scotland - coat of arms
Before England and Scotland united, the coat of arms looked completely different. Some elements have disappeared over time, and now only the lion reminds of the former
Symbol of Scotland - whiskey and tartan
Scotch whiskey is a special cult. This drink is sold almost everywhere. You can also look manufacturing process, taste different varieties, etc.
Now about tartan. This is a special pattern on fabric and one of the types of wool weaving, which is used in sewing national clothing: kilts, scarves and much more. Nowadays the first thing that is associated with Scotland is tartan. And there were times when the British, in an effort to destroy all symbols of Scottish life, banned tartan.
“Nemo me impune lacessit” - “No one will touch me with impunity.” This motto of Scotland is not just a hymn to the thistle, but it speaks of wariness and resentment. It is possible that the Scots, with their bagpipes and kilts, are defending themselves against the English, who always wanted to break them. And all these defiant attributes are the same spines as those of a plant from the Asteraceae family.
Modern Scotland is inhabited by five million inhabitants. They all honor the traditions of their ancestors. This is expressed in national clothes, cuisine, music and much more. For visitors, the symbol of Scotland is most often associated with a kilt, bagpipes and whiskey. In fact, representatives of this country, which has been fighting for independence for centuries, see thistle, heather, unicorn and the Apostle Andrew as their symbols. This list will be continued in the article.
State symbols
The official symbol of Scotland is, first of all, the coat of arms. And, of course, it is also a flag. Its panel has a blue background with a white St. Andrew's cross on it. The flag has been known since the 9th century and is one of the oldest national symbols in the world, which is still used today.
The coat of arms is presented in the form of a shield with a golden field. It has a red inner double border with sprouted lilies and a risen lion to match the border. The tongue and claws of the beast are colored Blue colour. This national symbol of Scotland is also a sign of the monarchy. The motif of this coat of arms is used in many sporting competitions, including the Scottish national football team.
Symbolism in culture
The most revered person in the country (he is also a symbol of Scotland) remains Robert Burns. On his birthday, January 25, the whole country celebrates Burns Super, which takes place in the form of a gala dinner. Dishes praised by the national Scottish poet are brought to the table to the accompaniment of bagpipes. At the same time, his poems can be heard from everywhere. The most revered food on this day is considered to be haggis, which will be described below.
No celebration is complete in Scotland without bagpipes. This national musical instrument, just like its sound, cannot be confused with anything else.
St. Andrew's Day is celebrated annually on November 30. In Scotland this date is officially a bank holiday.
Which symbol of Scotland is most often associated with independence? Few people know that this is a Skunk stone. It is a sandstone block that was used for the coronation ceremonies of Scottish and English monarchs. Its weight is about 150 kilograms. Another name for the stone is Jacob's Pillow.
Symbolism in flora and fauna
The unicorn has been known as a mythical symbol of Scotland since the 15th century. It was used on many coats of arms of famous families, as well as on gold coins. The image of the mythical animal under James of Scotland was placed on the Royal Arms of Great Britain. The unicorn thus replaced the symbol of Ireland in the form of a dragon.
Other animals associated with Scotland include the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep, and the notorious Loch Ness Monster.
The thistle is the country's national floral emblem. His image is found on Scottish currency. There is even the Order of the Thistle, which arose during the reign of James the Second and has a knightly basis. The plant is distinguished by its inaccessibility and stubbornness. This is in keeping with the motto of Scotland: “No one will harm me with impunity.”
Another revered plant is heather. At one time, it was used to produce a yellow dye used to dye clothes, as well as heather ale.
Symbolism in traditional cuisine
Scotland is distinguished by its originality in national cuisine. A traditional dish for all festive dinners (especially Burns's birthday) is haggis. To prepare it, lamb offal is used, which is chopped with onions, lard, oatmeal, and seasonings. All this is boiled in a lamb stomach. In times past, haggis was a poor man's dish because it was made from offal that was meant to be thrown away. At one time, the revered Robert Burns dedicated an ode to this dish.
What is the symbol of Scotland for lovers of strong drinks? Scotch whiskey is famous all over the world. Translated from the local dialect, the name of the drink is translated as “water of life.” The right to produce such an alcoholic drink is reserved to Scotland.
Other foods that are considered traditional in this country include:
- oatmeal;
- shortbread and oatmeal cookies;
- meat pie;
- carbonated drink "Irn-Bru".
Scotland has many interesting symbols.
Motto of Scotland- can be seen everywhere, including on the edge of some one-pound coins: "Nemo me impune Uicessit" - which in Latin means: “No one will touch me with impunity!”. The motto fully corresponds to the character of the Scots, whom neither the Vikings, nor the Danes, nor the Romans could completely conquer.
Apostle Andrew- patron saint of Scotland, according to legend, his relics were transferred in the 7th century from Constantinople to the Scottish city of St. Andrews. The image of the apostle, as well as the X-shaped cross on which he, according to legend, was crucified, serve as symbols of Scotland.
Scottish flag- represents an image of the St. Andrew's cross on a sky-blue cloth.
Coat of arms and royal standard- they depict a red heraldic lion, on a yellow field, surrounded by a red double frame with lilies.
National anthem of Scotland- "The Flower of Scotland". "Scotland the Brave" - "Scotland of the Brave."
Thistle- a thorny weed, is a semi-official national symbol of Scotland, depicted in particular on banknotes. It became a symbol as a result of a won battle. In 990, on the eve of the Battle of Luncart, near Perth, the Danes who had encroached on Scottish soil approached the sleeping troops of King Kenneth 2nd in the pre-dawn haze. In order to walk silently, they took off their shoes and were almost at their goal, if not for a field of thistles that lay on the way (according to another version, it was a castle moat overgrown with thistles). Sharp thorns, invisible in the dawn lily, pierced the bare feet of the warriors, someone screamed in surprise, and, instantly awakening, the defenders of the castle put the Danes to flight.
Modest, unpretentious, proud and unapproachable - such is the thistle, such is the character of the Scots. There is also some hidden mystical power in this purple flower. Our superstitious ancestors used thistle to drive out evil spirits from the house. It was also believed that it protected the home from natural disasters, and animals from the evil eye and diseases. By observing thistles, you can predict bad weather: before the rain, its prickly cones shrink. Judging by meteorological statistics, the scarlet brushes of the Scottish thistle are mostly hidden from prying eyes.
Unicorn- traditionally included in many historical Scottish coats of arms (often in the form of a shield holder).
Tartan- an ornament of horizontal and vertical stripes. Kilts are made from fabric with this pattern.
Bagpipes- a national musical instrument, an unofficial symbol of Scotland.
10 popular tourist responses about Scotland
What first comes to the mind of tourists when the proud nation of Scots is mentioned? The top ten most popular answers are as follows:
- Extreme economy as a national trait.
- Scottish historical heritage.
- Kilts and tartans.
- Bagpipes.
- Language.
- Whiskey.
- Football and pubs.
- Haggis. (national Scottish dish made from lamb offal)
- Loch Ness monster.
- Weather.
Modern Scotland is inhabited by five million inhabitants. They all honor the traditions of their ancestors. This is expressed in national clothing, cuisine, music and much more. For visitors, the symbol of Scotland is most often associated with a kilt, bagpipes and whiskey. In fact, representatives of this country, which has been fighting for independence for centuries, see thistle, heather, unicorn and the Apostle Andrew as their symbols. This list will be continued in the article.
State symbols
The official symbol of Scotland is, first of all, the coat of arms. And, of course, it is also a flag. Its panel has a blue background with a white St. Andrew's cross on it. The flag has been known since the 9th century and is one of the oldest national symbols in the world, which is still used today.
The coat of arms is presented in the form of a shield with a golden field. It has a red inner double border with sprouted lilies and a risen lion to match the border. The tongue and claws of the beast are painted blue. This national symbol of Scotland is also a sign of the monarchy. The motif of this coat of arms is used in many sporting competitions, including the Scottish national football team.
Symbolism in culture
The most revered man in the country (he is also a symbol of Scotland) remains Robert Burns. On his birthday, January 25, the whole country celebrates Burns Super, which takes place in the form of a gala dinner. Dishes praised by the national Scottish poet are brought to the table to the accompaniment of bagpipes. At the same time, his poems can be heard from everywhere. The most revered food on this day is considered to be haggis, which will be described below.
No celebration is complete in Scotland without bagpipes. This national musical instrument, just like its sound, cannot be confused with anything else.
St. Andrew's Day is celebrated annually on November 30. In Scotland this date is officially a bank holiday.
Which symbol of Scotland is most often associated with independence? Few people know that this is a Skunk stone. It is a sandstone block that was used for the coronation ceremonies of Scottish and English monarchs. Its weight is about 150 kilograms. Another name for the stone is Jacob's Pillow.
Symbolism in flora and fauna
The unicorn has been known as a mythical symbol of Scotland since the 15th century. It was used on many coats of arms of famous families, as well as on gold coins. The image of the mythical animal under James of Scotland was placed on the Royal Arms of Great Britain. The unicorn thus replaced the symbol of Ireland in the form of a dragon.
Other animals associated with Scotland include the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep, and the notorious Loch Ness Monster.
The thistle is the country's national floral emblem. His image is found on Scottish currency. There is even the Order of the Thistle, which arose during the reign of James the Second and has a knightly basis. The plant is distinguished by its inaccessibility and stubbornness. This is in keeping with the motto of Scotland: “No one will harm me with impunity.”
Another revered plant is heather. At one time, it was used to produce a yellow dye used to dye clothes, as well as heather ale.
Symbolism in traditional cuisine
Scotland is also distinguished by its originality in its national cuisine. A traditional dish for all festive dinners (especially Burns's birthday) is haggis. To prepare it, lamb offal is used, which is chopped with onions, lard, oatmeal, and seasonings. All this is boiled in a lamb stomach. In times past, haggis was a poor man's dish because it was made from offal that was meant to be thrown away. At one time, the revered Robert Burns dedicated an ode to this dish.
What is the symbol of Scotland for lovers of strong drinks? Scotch whiskey is famous all over the world. Translated from the local dialect, the name of the drink is translated as “water of life.” The right to produce such an alcoholic drink is reserved to Scotland.
Other foods that are considered traditional in this country include:
- oatmeal;
- shortbread and oatmeal cookies;
- meat pie;
- carbonated drink "Irn-Bru".