Sunday, October 31, 2010

UK: symbols of Scotland, (Northern) Ireland

Scotland:
Thistle-
The Thistle is national flover of Scotland. This is a prickly-leaved purple flower which was first used in the 15th century as a symbol of defence. Also the Scottish Bluebell is seen as the flower on Scotland.

The Flag of Scotland-
The Saltire or St. Andrew's Cross, dates from the 9th century, and is therefore, the oldest national flag still in use.
The Saltire also forms part of the design of the Union Flag.

The Royal Standard of Scotland-
The Lion Rampant, a banner showing the Royal Arms of Scotland, is also frequently seen, particularly at sporting events.
This is also a heraldic symbol of Scotland. The Royal Coat of Arms of Scotland, used prior to 1603 by the Kings of Scotland, incorporated a lion rampant shield supported by two unicorns.

Northen Ireland:
Harp-
Harp has long symbolised the island of Ireland. It's Nationalist origins come from when Owen Roe O'Neill, a Gaelic Chieftain, adopted a green flag incorporating the harp. Being seen as a threat to the English invaders, playing the harp was banned, despite remaining on the royal insignia as representing Ireland in the growing British Empire. It was revived in Belfast in 1792, and was the prime symbol of the United Irishmen. The symbol of the harp also represents Loyalist Irishmen when it is surmounted by a crown and it is used in this form on, for example, the cap badges of the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

Shamrock-
Legend has it that the shamrock was used by St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, to illustrate the Holy Trinity, hence its widespread use on St. Patrick's day on 17 March. It is used by mainly by the Nationalist tradition, but is also evident within the Unionist tradition, with bodies such as the Royal Irish Rangers wearing the Shamrock every St. Patrick's day.


http://cain.ulst.ac.uk/images/symbols/crosstrad.htm
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/flowers.html

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