The thistle once saved Scotland from being invaded by a group of Viking raiders. Once, during a war between the Scottish and the Viking forces while the Scottish force were resting, unknown to their knowledge the Viking troops planned to launch a raid upon them. But in the course of their attack they stepped upon a patch of thorny thistle which pricked into their bare feet causing the soldiers much agony. The injured soldiers let out cries of pain which alerted the Scottish soldiers who were able to defeat their enemies. This incident placed the thistle on a high place of regard in Scotland and is accepted as the floral emblem of the nation.

This prickly thorny flower, which is dangerous and can cause much pain, is often compared to the daring Scottish soldiers who can be as destructive as the flower itself. The thistle flower can be seen in the logos of various products and services as well as organizations of Scotland. The flower is regarded as the highest order of chivalry in Scotland.

In order to express their patriotic feeling for the country, and to emerge as fighters in the eyes of the opponents, many football clubs in Scotland use thistle in their names.