Scotland
The thistle is the floral emblem of Scotland but there are lots of different types of thistles. Nobody knows which one is the exact emblem!
Description of the Thistle:
The thistle has spiky leaves to protect itself from animals who want to eat it! It also has a purple flower that is spiky as well!
The story of the Thistle:
When Norse vikings secretly attacked Scotland one stepped upon a thistle and let out a cry of pain! ‘Arghhhhh!’ he said. He was so loud that the Scottish heard his cry and were ready to fight! The Norse vikings were defeated by the Scottish – the Scottish people won the battle! Winner, winner!
Ireland
The shamrock is the floral emblem of the Republic of Ireland. It is also a emblem of Catholism in Ireland.
Description of the Shamrock:
The shamrock is a small, three-leafed plant. A shamrock with FOUR leaves is good luck!
The history of the Shamrock
In fact, the shamrock is a modern emblem. It became popular in the 19th century when Nationalist movements used it as their symbol of nationalism. Today, the shamrock is often used as a symbol by Irish companies (for example Aer Lingus) and sports teams. It is also put in the bouquets of flowers of brides on their wedding day to give good luck!
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Wales
The national emblem of Wales is the leek and the daffodil! This vegetable and this flower represent this small country, let us find out why!
The history of the leek
During the time of Shakespeare and even before – the leek was worn around the neck of Welshmen. Today, it is on the badges of every Welsh soldier of the Welsh Regiment.
The Daffodil
It was introduced in the 19th century as a remplacement of the leek. The only Welsh Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was a strong advocate for this new symbol for his country. The daffodil also symbolises nature`s optimism!
England
The rose is the symbol of love but it is also the symbol of England!
The history of the Rose
It became the symbol of England after the War of the Roses between the Royal House of Lancaster and the Royal House of York thanks to King Henry VII. The rose is red and white representing the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Sometimes it is called the Union Rose.
