Author: J. L. Canfield
Introduction to Scottish Icons
Scotland’s icons are known to everyone, and when asked to name them, answers come easy. When someone not from Scotland is asked what they mean, they sometimes struggle to respond. Like everything Celtic, the truth behind the story has been wrapped with a myth. Sometimes the two complement each other, and sometimes you scratch your head and wonder which is which. Either way, one thing is for sure, all Celts love a good story, whether they’re telling it or hearing it. We decided to look at the icons of our beloved ancestral home and share the truth and myths of each with you.
The Unicorn: Scotland’s Mythical Emblem
Why did Scotland choose a mythical creature for its national animal? There is no real good answer to that question other than the unicorn has been a part of Scottish heraldry and royalty since almost forever. The earliest use of a unicorn in the royal household dates to the 12th century. William I used it on his coat of arms. James II, who reigned in the 15th century, had gold coins minted, which bore the unicorn image. In 1603 when James VI of Scotland became James I of England and Ireland, he replaced the unicorn on the left side of the Scottish national symbol (two unicorns supporting the rampant lion standard) with a lion, thus creating an image to represent the unity between the two nations. The unicorn is the strongest of animals, which is why it appeared on a crest worn on a chain to symbolize the king’s power.
The Thistle: Scotland’s Prickly Icon
Why would a country known for headstrong, fearless people use a prickly wild weed for an icon? Could it be that this thistle does represent what a Scot is? (My research showed some consider it a weed while others argue it is a plant. You choose how you classify it) Weeds are hardy plants that can grow anywhere. Scots are a breed of people that have thrived no matter where they are in the world. The prickles on the stalk hurt when they touch bare skin, and fabric is easily caught in them yet hard to dislodge. Scots are known for their stubbornness and their fighting abilities. They carry grudges well and don’t easily give up.
The Rampant Lion: Symbol of Royalty
The lion we know so well has been used as a heraldic symbol since William I (William the Lion) chose it as his standard. His son Alexander II is credited as having been the first to use it officially. Alexander III added a double border and the fleur de lis’. Known as the royal banner of Scotland (Bratech rioghail na h-Alba), it was used by Scottish monarchs until 1603 when James VI united the crowns. The rampant lion’s use is restricted to only a few great offices of state who represent the monarchy in Scotland. It flies over the royal households when the head of state is not present. Despite its limited use, it is one of Scotland’s most recognized symbols and often called the unofficial flag of Scotland.
The Saltire: Scotland’s Official Flag
The official flag of Scotland is the well-known Saltire. Derived from the saltire cross of Scotland’s patron saint, Andrew, its adoption as a national symbol dates back to 832. It was around that time the Picts and Scots combined against the invading Northumbrians led by Athelstane. The Scottish King Angus I, devout in his faith, prayed an intercessory prayer to St Andrew for a sign that God would be with them in this battle. It was told that a vision of a white saltire was seen set on the blue sky. The King and his army took this to heart and fought their way to victory.
Saint Andrew: Scotland’s Patron Saint
Even though Angus I is said to have prayed and seen the saltire in the sky as a sign from St Andrew, he wasn’t named the patron saint of Scotland until 1320 with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath. Some accounts say the victory on that epic battle day began Andrew being called the patron saint of Scotland. But with all the other Celtic saints around, such as Columbanus or Columba, Finnian, Aidan, Brendan, Patrick, why Andrew? Andrew, one of the original apostles who said he was not worthy to die on the same kind of cross as Christ, chose instead to be martyred on a Saltire in 60 AD.
