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The Thistle~the National
Flower of Scotland

  You'll find Thistle poking up in meadows and fields boasting a pink/purple globe-like flower protected by spiny leaves. They can be perennial of biennial and originally come from the Mediterranean region.
  Historically, the thistle is said to have saved some Scottish clansmen from attacking Norsemen. During the reign of Alexander III (1249 -1286), an army of King Haakon of Norway landed at the Coast of Largs. Intent on conquering the Scots, his men waited until night to ambush the sleeping Scots. To creep up as quietly as possible, some removed their footwear. One of them stepped on a Thistle, yelled out in pain, warning the Scotsmen. The Norsemen were defeated.
  Herbalist revere the Thistle as a strong medicine for liver ailments as it contains a chemical sylibin which is powerful in helping the liver. It is also a stimulant for milk production for mother's.
  The Thistle is symbolic of pride and self protection or defense. It became the   royal symbol of Scotland and was imprinted on silver coins issued by James III in 1470.
  

San Diego Scottish Highland Games & Gathering of Clans
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