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08 November 2025

My tree in November

30th November is St Andrew's Day so I've decided on a vaguely Scottish theme and gone for thistles.  

According to Scottish tradition, the thistle became the national emblem after a surprise attack by Viking invaders.  One night, the Vikings tried to sneak up on a sleeping Scottish army and, to stay quiet, they went barefoot.   One of the invaders stepped on a thistle and cried out in pain, alerting the Scots who woke up, fought back, and won the battle.


You may be wondering why I've added roses, the English national flower.  Simple really.  I had a birthday a couple of weeks ago and had my final birthday lunch yesterday.  One of the ladies brought me flowers, including roses.  But no thistles.


10 comments:

  1. It's a pretty little thistle charm. The Tree is looking good!

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  2. 70 years old and I've never thought just Why the thistle is Scotland's emblem! So thank you - learning every day!

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    1. Neither did I but it suddenly occurred to me to wonder!

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  3. Me neither! Thanks for explaining that one

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    1. I thought it worth looking - things are prettty quiet here at the moment.

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  4. Thank you for the background story about why the thistle is Scotland's national emblem. Your tree looks lovely with the thistles decorating it and the roses arranged in front of it. I love how you've been able to continue with your birthday celebrations over a couple of weeks. :)

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    1. It's been lovely. Like most of my friends I don't want stuff for my birthday but a leisurely meal is definitely a treat.

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