The national flag of Scotland - St. Andrew's, a white cross on a blue background, has become a symbol of national independence. Biblical legend says that St. Andrew was crucified by the Romans on a diagonal cross, which is why the cross on the St. Andrew's flag is located diagonally. St. Andrew's flag appeared in Scotland in the XII century. The second national flag, also owned by Scotland, is the royal flag, depicting a lion standing on its hind legs (called "Lord Lion"). It flies over the apartment of the minister, the representative of the British government in Scotland. They may not be brandished without special permission, which does apply to Scottish football fans, however.
The flag of Scotland is a blue panel with a white (silver in heraldry) oblique (St. Andrew's) cross. The aspect ratio is not regulated, usually 5:3 or 3:2 panels are used. The width of the stripes forming the cross must be 1/5 of the height of the flag.
The Scottish flag is one of the oldest national flags in the world, its appearance, according to legend, dates back to 832, when King Angus of Scots, before the battle with the Anglo-Saxons, saw a sign in the sky in the form of an X-shaped cross, on which, according to legend, was Andrew the First-Called, considered the patron saint of Scotland, was crucified. The battle was won, and the image of a white cross on a sky-blue field became one of the symbols of Scotland.
The Scottish flag has become part of the British flag.
The flag was created under the influence of the Scottish flag navy Russia (St. Andrew's flag), which is an inverse image of the national flag of Scotland.
The coat of arms of Scotland is a scarlet rising lion inside a double narrow inner border decorated with counterlilies. It was first printed Alexander III Scottish in 1251, although the red lion was probably previously used by William I "The Lion" (1165-1214), and a border of fleur-de-lis was present in his son's coat of arms,
Alexander II (1214-1249). When James VI of Scotland, under the name of James I, occupied English throne after the adoption of the Union of Accession in 1603, the rising lion of the Scots was placed in the second quarter of the royal coat of arms. Curiously, when the British monarch pays a visit to Scotland, the quarters are always reversed, with Scotland receiving the first quarter.
The British Royal Family is actually the main clan of Scotland and uses certain heraldic insignia like any other clan does. IN solemn days the royal plaid and its variants are worn, and the royal kleynod applicable to Scotland can be seen from time to time. The sovereign's eldest son has his own heraldic standard for use in Scotland, where he is none other than the Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron Renfrew, Lord of Isles, Grand Steward of Scotland.
He uses a simple lambel in combination with his Scottish coat of arms.
The Scottish Parliament sits in Edinburgh, but such a prerogative was granted to Scotland quite recently - only in 1999. Scotland also has its own government. But the head of state for the Scots is Queen Elizabeth. The patron saint of Scotland is St. Andrew (St. Andrew), his day is celebrated by Scots around the world on November 30th.
If you ask an ordinary tourist what first of all comes to mind at the mention of Scotland, you can hear a wide variety of answers:
- For someone not alien to modern fashion, these are kilts and tartans.
- For who know geography This is Nessie, the famous Loch Ness Monster.
- For connoisseurs of quality alcohol - this is Scotch whiskey.
- For people who are not alien to ethnic music - bagpipes.
What do the Scots themselves connect and associate with? Oddly enough, the familiar symbols of Scotland are not known to many, and not all of them will be on the list of tourists. Among the symbols of Scotland are present: thistle, unicorn, Apostle Andrew.
How Scottish Symbols Came to Be
Thistle is a seemingly ordinary plant, but, nevertheless, has the status of a semi-official national symbol of Scotland. You can see thistles on the monetary units of this country (by the way, Scotland, remaining part of the UK, has the right to issue its own banknotes). Often, the inhabitants of this country associate the nature of this plant with their own: unpretentious, stubborn, purposeful thistle, indeed, similar to the Scots. But is it only for this that the thistle received the proud name "symbol of Scotland"?
The roots of this tradition go back more than a thousand years into the depths of history, to one battle at Lunkart, in which the Scots were able to win, according to the legend, thanks to the help of thistles. The cunning Vikings wanted to silently get close to the sleeping camp of the Scots, but, unfortunately, a thorny, stubborn plant fell under their feet. One of the Vikings shouted and at once declassified the entire military operation.
In Scotland, there is even an Order of the Thistle - for the uninitiated it may sound a little funny, but, nevertheless, this is one of the most important and most ancient orders of this country, founded under King James II and having a knightly basis.
The unicorn is another symbol of Scotland. You can meet him on many coats of arms of Scottish families (appeared in heraldry from about the fifteenth century), as well as on some coins (including the gold unicorn issued under James II). One of the most honorable places for a unicorn is the Royal Arms of Great Britain: before the accession to the English throne of James of Scotland, in its place was the symbol of Ireland - a dragon, later replaced by the monarch with a more familiar symbol of his country.
Another symbol of Scotland is the Apostle Andrew, whose relics, according to historical data, were transferred to one of the Scottish towns - to St. Andrews, where they are buried to this day. According to legend, the apostle was crucified on a cross of an unusual shape - in the shape of the letter X, with axes of the same length. You can meet the St. Andrew's cross, which got its name from the murdered apostle and became one of the common symbols of Christianity, quite often in Scottish symbolism. In addition, the St. Andrew's cross is the central element on the country's flag.
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The symbols of each country are considered, first of all, the attributes of power - the emblem, flag and anthem. In addition to them, each state has its own emblems in the form of plants, animals, household items or saints. For the Scots, the iconic are:
Thistle
The plant is considered one of the most recognizable symbols of the Scottish nation. On the banknotes of the country, the image of a thistle personifies purposefulness, perseverance, unpretentiousness and exactly corresponds to the characteristics inherent in the indigenous population of this extraordinary state. According to legend, more than 10 centuries ago, Scottish warriors won one of the important battles with the Vikings thanks to the thistle, which fell under the feet of their opponent and caused one of the Vikings such pain that he screamed, after which he was opened. Today in the country there is a knightly Order of the Thistle, which is awarded to the most courageous representatives of the nation.
Unicorn
The mythical animal is another famous emblem of Scotland. From time immemorial, the nobility and local aristocrats depicted a unicorn on their coats of arms, and under the monarch James II, a fictional creature was minted on gold unicorns. It is believed that this tradition dates back to the 15th century, when the unicorn first appeared on the state symbols of the country. Today, the unicorn adorns the Royal Arms of Great Britain, although earlier there was an imperious dragon, which was considered an Irish emblem before the reign of King James.
Righteous Apostle Andrew and St. Andrew's Cross
According to Christian tradition, in one of the small settlements Scotland - the city of St. Andrews were moved the relics of St. Andrew the Apostle. Local residents are sure that the shrine is kept there to this day. Since the execution of the great martyr was carried out through crucifixion on an equiaxed cross, having the shape of the letter "X", from that time the figure began to bear the name of St. Andrew's and became a symbol of the true Christian faith. The St. Andrew's Cross is ubiquitous on the emblems of Scotland, including being the main image on the national flag.
Kilt
The subject of national pride is the kilt, which is a pleated piece of checkered fabric. The kilt is draped around the waist with the help of special devices and decorations - straps or buckles. A kilt is made from a special woolen fabric with an admixture of tartan; by the color of the cell, you can determine to which family or surname this or that Scot belongs. IN Everyday life such clothes are not worn, but all formal events cannot do without a kilt, especially traditional Scottish marriages. Separate units of the British army also wear a kilt. Modern Scottish fashion houses offer various types of skirts imitating a kilt.
Whiskey
Classic Scotch whiskey is called scotch all over the world. Interestingly, such a product name is enshrined at the legislative level and protected by copyright. The secret of cooking was known to the ancient Celts, who produced "fiery liquid" in large quantities. At the end of the 15th century, the process of distillation and distillation was improved and whiskey became famous in Europe as the "water of life". According to the official technology for the preparation of scotch, it is divided into five categories, each of which has its own specific features and can be blended, malt, single malt, grain.
Bagpipes
A distinctive and easily recognizable musical instrument is made from various kinds leather, including goat, calf or cowhide, and is a bag with several tubes inserted into it. Air is blown through one of them, polyphony is created through the others, special pipers play the bagpipes. The instrument is made in Scotland in the Mixodile way, in a special key - B-flat major. In the Middle Ages, good pipers were worth their weight in gold and formed peculiar clans that earned respect and reverence from the locals. The Scottish bagpipe cannot be confused with any other - the instrument sounds in a bourdon tone, booming, loud and captivates from the first note, therefore it is used during parades, processions, festivals, ceremonies.
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- the 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, according to legend, he was crucified, serve as symbols of Scotland.
Scottish flag- is 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- prickly weed, is a semi-official national symbol of Scotland, depicted in particular on banknotes. It became a symbol, as a result of the battle won. In 990, on the eve of the Battle of Lunkart, not far from Perth, the Danes encroaching on Scottish soil were selected in the predawn haze to the sleeping troops of King Kenneth the 2nd. In order to walk silently, they took off their shoes and were practically at the goal, if not for the thistle field that lay on the way (according to another version, it was a castle moat overgrown with thistles). Invisible in the dawn lila, sharp thorns 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 impregnable - such is the thistle, such is the character of the Scots. There is some hidden mystical power in this purple flower. Our superstitious ancestors used thistle to expel evil spirits from their homes. It was also believed that he protects the home from natural disasters, and animals from the evil eye and diseases. Watching the thistle, you can predict bad weather: before the rain, its prickly cones shrink. Judging by meteorological statistics, the scarlet brushes of the Scottish thistle are for the most part 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 sewn from fabric with such an ornament.
Bagpipes- a national musical instrument, an unofficial symbol of Scotland.
10 popular responses from tourists about Scotland
What first of all comes to mind of tourists when the proud nation of the Scots is mentioned? The ten most popular responses are as follows:
- Superthrift as a national trait.
- Scottish heritage.
- Kilts and tartans.
- Bagpipes.
- Language.
- Whiskey.
- Football and pubs.
- Haggis. (national Scottish dish of lamb giblets)
- Loch Ness monster.
- Weather.
National symbols of Scotland The thistle flower, a traditional symbol of Scotland The Apostle Andrew is considered the patron saint of Scotland, according to legend, his relics were transferred in the 8th century from Constantinople to the Scottish city of St. Andrews. The images of the apostle, as well as the X-shaped cross on which, according to legend, he was crucified, serve as symbols of Scotland. The Scottish flag is an image of the St. Andrew's Cross on a sky-blue panel. The coat of arms and the royal standard depict a red heraldic lion on a yellow field surrounded by a red double frame of lilies. Scotland's anthem, "Flower of Scotland" The thistle flower is the semi-official national symbol of Scotland and is depicted, in particular, on banknotes. According to legend, in the XIII century, the coastal settlements of the Scots suffered from Viking raids. Once, an unexpected night attack was avoided due to the fact that the Vikings went barefoot into the thickets of Scottish thistle, which gave themselves away. The unicorn has traditionally been included in many historical Scottish coats of arms (often in the form of a shield holder). Tartan ornament from horizontal and vertical stripes. Kilts are made from fabric with such an ornament in Russia, it is called "tartan". The bagpipe is a national musical instrument, an unofficial symbol of Scotland
Traditions and customs of Scotland. In addition to traditional kilts, whiskey, woolen fabrics, festivals and Celtic jewelry, there are many other traditions in Scotland. In addition to traditional kilts, whiskey, woolen fabrics, festivals and Celtic jewelry, there are many other traditions in Scotland. An honorable military tradition of the Scots is the royal guard by archers upon her arrival. The tradition has been going on for a long time: at one time, the Scottish kings required archers for personal protection. Now this guard consists of about four hundred elderly Scots living in countryside. In the event of the arrival of the queen, they are ordered to drop everything and urgently come to the palace. Moreover, the readiness must be amazing in literally of this word: the archer is obliged to pierce with an arrow a board two or three inches thick. Of course, the fulfillment of this duty requires a lot of effort and time, but the Scots believe that nothing unites the clan like the fulfillment of ancestral duty. Members of the same clan actually help and support each other, there is even an organization of clan mutual assistance. There are even international clan meetings where people with the same surname put on national costumes, dance to the sound of bagpipes, throw logs, run uphill, drink whiskey and eat unpretentious old food (haggis). An honorable military tradition of the Scots is the royal guard by archers upon her arrival. The tradition has been going on for a long time: at one time, the Scottish kings required archers for personal protection. Now this guard consists of about four hundred elderly Scots living in the countryside. In the event of the arrival of the queen, they are ordered to drop everything and urgently come to the palace. Moreover, the readiness should be amazing in the truest sense of the word: the archer is obliged to pierce a board two or three inches thick with an arrow. Of course, the fulfillment of this duty requires a lot of effort and time, but the Scots believe that nothing unites the clan like the fulfillment of ancestral duty. Members of the same clan actually help and support each other, there is even an organization of clan mutual assistance. There are even international clan meetings where people with the same surname put on national costumes, dance to the sound of bagpipes, throw logs, run uphill, drink whiskey and eat unpretentious old food (haggis). On New Year's Eve, you can go into any house, the doors are not locked, you just need to throw coal into the hearth - a symbol of life and prosperity. On New Year's Eve, you can go into any house, the doors are not locked, you just need to throw coal into the hearth - a symbol of life and prosperity. Valentine's Day is celebrated widely and everywhere. Valentine's Day is celebrated widely and everywhere. Christian holidays are also celebrated: St. John's Day, St. Michael's Day, Christmas, and so on, but they coincide in terms with pagan ones, so there was an interweaving of traditions and customs, but this is not about that, but about preserving traditions as an age-old memory and self-consciousness of the people. Christian holidays are also celebrated: St. John's Day, St. Michael's Day, Christmas, and so on, but they coincide in terms with pagan ones, so there was an interweaving of traditions and customs, but this is not about that, but about preserving traditions as an age-old memory and self-consciousness of the people.
Symbols of Scotland In this article we will talk about the main symbols of Scotland. Official and not so much. In this article we will talk about the main symbols of Scotland. Official and not so much. The very first symbol that comes to mind is the thistle. It is depicted on many emblems, coins and coats of arms, sold in all forms in souvenir shops, and of course it grows on numerous fields in Scotland. The very first symbol that comes to mind is the thistle. It is depicted on many emblems, coins and coats of arms, it is sold in all forms in souvenir shops, and of course it grows in the numerous fields of Scotland. But why did the proud Scots choose such an unsightly flower as a thistle as a symbol, in fact, no one knows. There is a legend according to which the sleeping Scottish army was awakened by the cries of the advancing enemy, who stepped on a thorny thistle with his bare foot. And thus the Scots managed to mobilize after sleep and win. In gratitude, the plant was nicknamed the Guardian. Thus, over time, the thistle became a symbol of Scotland. Unfortunately, historical evidence of this story has not been preserved. But why did the proud Scots choose such an unsightly flower as a thistle as a symbol, in fact, no one knows. There is a legend according to which the sleeping Scottish army was awakened by the cries of the advancing enemy, who stepped on a thorny thistle with his bare foot. And thus the Scots managed to mobilize after sleep and win. In gratitude, the plant was nicknamed the Guardian. Thus, over time, the thistle became a symbol of Scotland. Unfortunately, there is no historical evidence of this story. The Queen Head of the Order The Queen Head of the Order The Thistle has been a symbol of Scotland for about 500 years. The first use of it as an emblem on silver coins dates back to 1470 during the reign of James III. In 1687, the order of the thistle was created, which includes members of the royal family. Knights and ladies members of the order wear golden chains with thistles as links, and a star on their chest with the emblem of the plant and with the motto no one angers me with impunity. The thistle has been a symbol of Scotland for over 500 years. The first use of it as an emblem on silver coins dates back to 1470 during the reign of James III. In 1687, the order of the thistle was created, which includes members of the royal family. Knights and ladies members of the order wear golden chains with thistles as links, and a star on their chest with the emblem of the plant and with the motto no one angers me with impunity.
Flag of Scotland The next undoubted attribute and symbol of Scotland is its flag, the so-called Saliter, to us it is better known as the flag of the Russian Navy - St. Andrew's flag. This is not surprising: after all, the history of Scotland and the history ancient Rus' closely associated with St. Andrew the First-Called. The only Scottish flag is a white cross on a blue background, and our maritime ensign is a blue cross on a white background. You can read more about the history of the formation of the St. Andrew's flag in Scotland as a national identifier in our article on the flag of Scotland. The next undoubted attribute and symbol of Scotland is its flag, the so-called Saliter, it is better known to you and me as the flag of the Russian Navy - the St. Andrew's flag. This is not surprising: after all, the history of Scotland and the history of ancient Rus' are closely connected with St. Andrew the First-Called. The only Scottish flag is a white cross on a blue background, and our maritime ensign is a blue cross on a white background. You can read more about the history of the formation of the St. Andrew's flag in Scotland as a national identifier in our article on the flag of Scotland.
The Fierce Lion Scotland also has an unofficial flag, the "ferocious lion" (a red lion on a yellow background). It is often used as a second national flag, although not adopted by British law. However, officially this symbol belongs to the monarchs and has no right to be used anywhere else, but in practice this rule is ignored. Nowadays, it is very often seen at football matches. Scotland also has an unofficial flag - the "ferocious lion" (a red lion on a yellow background). It is often used as a second national flag, although not adopted by British law. However, officially this symbol belongs to the monarchs and has no right to be used anywhere else, but in practice this rule is ignored. Nowadays, it is very often seen at football matches.
Tartan and whiskey Talking about Scottish symbols, one cannot but mention tartan and whiskey. After all, when you talk about Scotland to someone, the first thing that comes to mind is a Scotch cage and a barley drink, and then everything else. Talking about Scottish symbols, one cannot but mention tartan and whiskey. After all, when you talk about Scotland to someone, the first thing that comes to mind is a Scotch cage and a barley drink, and then everything else. Indeed, whiskey in Scotland is a kind of cult, you can buy it almost everywhere, you can see the production process in numerous distilleries, taste different varieties in bars, and see everything connected with it in museums. What distilleries are the most interesting to read in our article about whiskey. Indeed, whiskey in Scotland is a kind of cult, you can buy it almost everywhere, in numerous distilleries you can see the production process, taste different varieties in bars, and in museums look at everything from connected to him. What are the most interesting distilleries read in our article about whiskey. As for tartat, this is an ornament on fabric and a method of weaving wool, used in sewing kilts, scarves and much more. Tartan is currently a very popular brand. What makes tartan so special is, of course, the history and romance of the Highlands, which is felt in every thread of the fabric. Now the tartan check is associated with Scotland like nothing else. And once it was banned by the British in order to destroy the attributes of Scottish life. However, you can also read more about this matter in our article on tartan. As for tartat, this is an ornament on fabric and a method of weaving wool, used in sewing kilts, scarves and much more. Tartan is currently a very popular brand. What makes tartan so special is, of course, the history and romance of the Highlands, which is felt in every thread of the fabric. Now the tartan check is associated with Scotland like nothing else. And once it was banned by the British in order to destroy the attributes of Scottish life. However, you can also read more about this matter in our article on tartan.
Scepter, sword and crown The next important symbol is the royal regalia: scepter, sword and crown. They have a lot to do with historical events, conquests and stories. They are the oldest regalia (15th - 16th century) on the territory of all the British Isles, and therefore there has always been a fierce struggle for them. Currently, they are quietly stored in a museum in the Edinburgh fortress and anyone can admire them. The next important symbol is the royal regalia: scepter, sword and crown. Many historical events, conquests and stories are associated with them. They are the oldest regalia (15th - 16th century) on the territory of all the British Isles, and therefore there has always been a fierce struggle for them. Currently, they are quietly stored in a museum in the Edinburgh fortress and anyone can admire them.
New Year New Year in Scotland is known as Hogmany. Here, the tradition of "letting in the New Year" is widespread. This tradition is a symbolic milestone during which the transition from past life to the future. The very custom of the admission of the New Year is as follows. At midnight, when the clock strikes twelve, the back door of the house must be opened. And at this time the Old Year, which ends its time, must leave the house. As soon as the last strike of the clock comes, the front door of the house must be opened to let in the New Year. New Year in Scotland is known as Hogmany. Here, the tradition of "letting in the New Year" is widespread. This tradition is a symbolic milestone during which the transition from a past life to a future one takes place. The very custom of the admission of the New Year is as follows. At midnight, when the clock strikes twelve, the back door of the house must be opened. And at this time the Old Year, which ends its time, must leave the house. As soon as the last strike of the clock comes, the front door of the house must be opened to let in the New Year. According to ancient custom, all the inhabitants of Scotland set fire to barrels filled with tar, and roll them through the streets of the city. With this tradition, the inhabitants burn the passing year, and make way for the onset of the new year. Also, many Scots believe that the New Year will depend on who exactly enters the house with its onset. If a man with dark hair enters the house first, then this guarantees good luck, happiness, a huge number of gifts in the coming year. This tradition is referred to as first footing. According to ancient custom, all the inhabitants of Scotland set fire to barrels filled with tar, and roll them through the streets of the city. With this tradition, the inhabitants burn the passing year, and make way for the onset of the new year. Also, many Scots believe that the New Year will depend on who exactly enters the house with its onset. If a man with dark hair enters the house first, then this guarantees good luck, happiness, a huge number of gifts in the coming year. This tradition is referred to as first footing.
Fireplace in the tradition of celebrating the New Year in Scotland The people of Scotland in the celebration of the New Year have many more traditions that must be observed. So, before the start of the clock, the whole family should gather at the previously divorced fireplace. The fire in the fireplace should burn very brightly. As soon as the clock hand approaches midnight, it is the owner of the house who must get up to say goodbye to the old year. And for this, he must perform all the above actions (opening the door of the house) silently. He must keep this door open until he hears the last chime of the clock. Only after that he meets and lets in the new year. The inhabitants of Scotland in the celebration of the New Year have many more traditions that must be observed. So, before the start of the clock, the whole family should gather at the previously divorced fireplace. The fire in the fireplace should burn very brightly. As soon as the clock hand approaches midnight, it is the owner of the house who must get up to say goodbye to the old year. And for this, he must perform all the above actions (opening the door of the house) silently. He must keep this door open until he hears the last chime of the clock. Only after that he meets and lets in the new year. If we turn to history, then in the Middle Ages on New Year's the whole family gathered at the same table in order to drink the cup of El. He refueled with special spices. The owner of the house said “For your health”, and only after this phrase he drank one sip of the drink from the goblet. The goblet passed from hand to hand, and each of those present drank a drink from it, and pronounced "For your health" in Sark. This tradition has changed over time. So, the English took one goblet and went with it, filling with ale from one house to another. This tradition was revered only by poor families. Well, Scottish men took a full cup of El and went outside 1-2 hours before the New Year. Out on the street, they offered to all those they met to drink one sip of ale from their goblet. But the Welsh used the goblet to fill it with biscuits and apples. This mixture was filled with hot beer with spices and taken to the newlyweds' house. Thus, they congratulated all the newlyweds and offered to drink from the prepared drink. If we turn to history, then in the Middle Ages on New Year's the whole family gathered at the same table in order to drink the cup of El. He refueled with special spices. The owner of the house said “For your health”, and only after this phrase he drank one sip of the drink from the goblet. The goblet passed from hand to hand, and each of those present drank a drink from it, and pronounced "For your health" in Sark. This tradition has changed over time. So, the English took one goblet and went with it, filling with ale from one house to another. This tradition was revered only by poor families. Well, Scottish men took a full cup of El and went outside 1-2 hours before the New Year. Out on the street, they offered to all those they met to drink one sip of ale from their goblet. But the Welsh used the goblet to fill it with biscuits and apples. This mixture was filled with hot beer with spices and taken to the newlyweds' house. Thus, they congratulated all the newlyweds and offered to drink from the prepared drink.
