Description

• These earrings are handcrafted from:
  Handmade golden thistle art glass cabochon charms (12mm),*
  Swarovski amber-colored bicone dangles,
  Antique bronze French hook ear wires.
• Earring drop approximately 1 inch/ 2.54 cm

Common throughout the highlands, islands and lowlands of Scotland, the prickly purple thistle has been Scotland’s national emblem for centuries. This proud and regal plant, which grows to a height of five feet, has no natural enemies because of the vicious spines that cover and protect it like a porcupine.  One of the best-known thistle legends takes place in the mid 13th century during a surprise invasion by the soldiers of a Norse king. The story has it that after coming ashore, this Viking force planned to creep up on the Scottish Clansmen and Highlanders and overcome them while they slept. Stealth required that they go barefoot and unfortunately for these invaders, one of their soldier’s bare feet came down hard on a Scottish thistle and his cries of shock and pain were enough to wake the sleeping Scots. Leaping to their feet, the clansmen charged into battle and the rest, as they say, is history and yes, the fiery Scots were victorious.)

Legend has it that because of the heroic role the plant played in the outcome of the battle, the thistle was immediately chosen as a national emblem. Now, how much of this is truth no-one knows, but by the 15th century, the Scottish thistle was being used as a national emblem. It’s beauty and fierce exterior make it a fascinating plant to capture in art.

When you wear these earrings, be like the thistle, beautiful and tough!

“The wind is not helpless for any man’s need, nor falleth the rain but for thistle and weed.”
-William Morris

(*Glass cabochon charms are water resistant but not waterproof, make sure you don’t immerse them in water!)