Top 10 Scottish Symbols and What They Look Like!

All countries around the world have national symbols that are unique to them, and no other country can adopt them. The same is true for Scotland, as it also has several traditional marks. Some of these symbols are internationally recognized, while others are primarily known and cherished within Scotland. This guide will explain the top 10 Scottish symbols or identities that are pretty notable. Interestingly, all of these symbols have unique stories. Before diving directly into the sea of national marks, let’s overview their importance first.

Significance of Scottish Symbols

Scottish symbols are of great importance, as they embody the culture, pride, power, and heritage of the country. Every Scot respects them because some of them are gifts from god while many have religious values. Moreover, some symbols, like thistles, the national plant of Scotland, are their mark because of some grounded reasons. In short, their national, religious, and spiritual signs are hugely respectable for them.

Top 10 Scottish Symbols

The total number of Scottish symbols is a mystery, as every individual is uncertain about them. However, the prominent marks are also available in a significant number. Many cultures, such as Celts, Vikings, and English traditions, influenced Scots and left some of their marks on Scottish culture. However, Celtic influence is still remarkable there, and most of these marks connect to Celts.

Thistle

Thistle, the Scottish National Plant, is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the daisy family. It is a purple flower with a prickly stem that can be painful if someone touches it. Thistle was given the title of national plant in the reign of Alexander III (1249–1286).

The plant earned its symbolic status after a legendary event in which it reportedly helped save Scots from a surprise Viking attack. When the villagers were sleeping, Vikings decided to surprise them and came barefoot to eliminate noise. Scots already had layered thistles that hurt one of the vikings who shouted because of pain that alerted sleepers. They got up and fought back.

Saltire

A country’s flag is often its most prominent national symbol, and for Scotland, that is the Saltire. The Scottish flag, known as the Saltire, is its identity worldwide. It has a diagonal cross that reminds Scots of Saint Andrew, their patron saint. The primary color of the flag is blue, which embodies a diagonal cross. This cross is similar to the one on which Saint Andrew was crucified, like Jesus Christ. The Scottish Saltire was made the national flag in 1385, when the Scottish parliament decreed it to be the part of every army person.

Rampant Lion

Rampant lion banner is an unofficial flag of Scots. Unfortunately, it is not a public flag but is restricted to the monarch or high-ranked people. The flag comprises a red lion standing on its hind legs while the front paws are in the air. The posture demonstrates a lion ready for an attack, which indirectly represents the power of Scotland. Other than the national buildings, this banner is possible to see during sporting and merchandising events.

The Honors of Scotland

The Honors of Scotland, or Scottish Jewels Crown, are a collection of some traditional, royal items, including a crown, scepter, and sword of state. These items are the oldest Scottish jewels that still survive in Europe. This collection was hidden during the English-Scot civil wars and rediscovered in 1818. Sir Walter Scott and some other prominent persons broke into the Crown room and found them. These symbols are now stored in Edinburgh Castle for the public display.

Tartan Patterns and Kilts

Anyone interested in Scottish culture is likely familiar with kilts and tartan patterns. A kilt is a traditional part of Scottish attire that they have been wearing for almost 5 centuries. The traditional tartan kilts were made with wool, which to this day is the preferred fabric. Traditional kilts usually have tartan patterns, and every ancient tartan pattern represents a clan.

Now, men’s kilts are not limited to tartan kilts, but many other versions, such as utility and leather kilts, have come into being. Moreover, cultural kilts remained specific to the men only for a longer time, but they have broken the gender norms, and every individual can wear them.

Loch Ness Monster

Let’s talk about a mythical creature of Scotland, which is also a Scottish symbol. The Loch Ness Monster, or Nessie, is a central identity of Scottish folklore. Many people claimed to see it centuries ago. The loch where it was seen attracts a large number of visitors every year, boosting the local economy. The symbolic statue of Nessie inspires numerous works of art, literature, and film.

Unicorn

The folklore about the unicorn, which is a mythical or mysterious animal, peaks in Scotland, as this is its National Animal. A majority claims it to be an unreal creature, but the stories in Scotland, even in the entire Highland, say something else. A unicorn resembles a horse, which has healing power. The Scottish monarch declared it as a national symbol in the 12th century, while many Scottish kings used it in their coats of arms.

Celtic Knot

The Celtic knot, also known as the endless knot or mystic knot, is a symbolic pattern with no beginning or end. It is a decorative and symbolic pattern characterized by interconnected and continuous lines that neither have a beginning nor an end. These intricate designs are a prominent feature of Celtic art, as the name represents, and are deeply rooted in Celtic history and culture. They are not a meaningless sign but represent eternity, unity, and the interconnectedness of life.

Jacobite Rose

The Jacobite rose, or a white rose, is also a Scottish symbol that is common to spot on various objects that represent Scottish culture in any way. The reason for it to become special in Scottish culture is its connection with the Jacobite Uprising. It was a chain of wars that continued for half a century. The last leader of this war was Bonnie Prince Charlie, who used a white rose in his bonnet while marching towards England. Today, this flower holds the title of Scottish pride and identity.

Red Deer

Let’s talk about the last Scottish symbol on our list today, which is a red deer. Interestingly, it is the largest mammal living on British land and has a special association with the Scottish Highlands. In fact, their association in this much amount makes them a symbolic animal. Moreover, their role in traditional folklore, hunting, and use of their image on crests reveals how essential red deer are in Scotland.

Ways to Incorporate These Scottish Symbols

There are many ways to incorporate Scottish symbols, such as home decor and jewellery. Some people want to attach them in traditional ways to showcase their connection; for them, a good idea is to buy kilt accessories with these symbols.

• In traditional Scottish dress, you have kilt pins that are usually engraved with Scottish symbols. Similarly, the kilt brooch also often has these symbols.
• Artisans often engrave these symbols onto kilt belt buckles to express cultural pride and clan heritage.
• A kilt itself is made with tartan fabric, which is a Scottish mark, while fly plaids and some neckwear (tie) are also made with tartan.
• In the same manner, The Utility Kilt sells tartan hats, sashes, and hoses to incorporate Scottish symbols in traditional suits.

FAQs About Primary Symbols of Scotland