Thistles attract attention with their attractive flowers and bizarre growth. These plants enjoy a high reputation in the floral language, in religion and as a heraldic flower. In this article we will clarify what significance the thistle has.
What does the thistle mean in symbolism and flower language?
The thistle symbolizes pain, hardship of life and protection. In Christian art it represents the sufferings of Jesus Christ and the martyrs. In the language of flowers it expresses the desire for protection, truthfulness or a dangerous situation.
What does the thistle stand for?
- Like many thorny plants, the thistle is asymbol of pain and the hardships of life.
- In Christian art it represents the sufferings of Jesus Christ and the martyrs and is an important symbol of redemption.
- Thorny thistles are a difficult weed to control in many countries and require great effort from farmers to control. That's why the thistle also symbolizes the strain of humans who have to extract daily food from the soil.
What positive meaning does the thistle have?
The thistle's sharp spines can ward off enemies, which is why this plant isan important symbol of protection.
What can thistles say in the language of flowers?
If you give thistles as a gift in a bouquet, you can use this very polite way to say thata certain thing is too dangerous for you. Thus, in the language of flowers, the thistle represents the desire for protection and truthfulness.
You can also use a thistle to express: “Your speech and your behavior have wounded me deeply.” In the literature you can find that a thistle bouquet is intended to express that the recipient should please no longer be close to the person giving the gift may search.
Is the thistle also mentioned in the Bible?
Thorns and thistles arementioned in various places in the Bible. The plant mentioned in the parable of the sower is probably the gold thistle, which is widespread in Israel. This is a dreaded weed that is difficult to remove and reduces crop yields in the Holy Land, as found in Matthew 13-7.
Others fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it.
Tip
The thistle – a popular heraldic flower
The thistle, especially the donkey thistle, is one of the most commonly used plants in heraldry. The side view of the flower is preferred so that the blue petals and the spiked foliage are clearly visible. The thistle has also been the national flower of Scotland for over 500 years and the Order of the Thistle is one of the highest honors.
