Significance of crown & thistle

[leathercubby]

What is the significance of the Crown & Thistle. I know the thistle is the scottish thistle and the crown is the monarchy, but what is the significance of the crown over the thistle. When and where is it used?
Eric

[sav]

Eric,
The symbolism of the superimposition of the Monarchic crown over an identifiable symbol of Scottish identity is rather obviously asserting the crown's "superiority" over Scotland. The fealty of Scotland's citizens, however, may lay elsewhere. ;) The same symbology is used in the cap badge of the Royal Irish Regiment, a crown superimposed over the Irish Harp. The crown and thistle is used mainly within the framework of military heraldry, and is sometimes used in civilian cases as well. Hope that helps a little.

[macwilkin]

Eric,
The symbolism of the superimposition of the Monarchic crown over an identifiable symbol of Scottish identity is rather obviously asserting the crown's "superiority" over Scotland. The fealty of Scotland's citizens, however, may lay elsewhere. ;) The same symbology is used in the cap badge of the Royal Irish Regiment, a crown superimposed over the Irish Harp. The crown and thistle is used mainly within the framework of military heraldry, and is sometimes used in civilian cases as well. Hope that helps a little.

The crown & thistle is the monarch's badge for Scotland, just as the crown and tudor rose is the badge for England, the Crown and Shamrock and/or harp is the badge for Ireland. Sometimes in heraldry you will see them combined to represent the United Kingdom, and in some Canadian heraldry, you will see them entwined with a maple leaf -- a line from the Canadian song "The Maple Leaf Forever" talks about "...the thistle, shamrock, rose combined..." in reference to Scottish, Irish, and English settlers in Canada.

Cheers,

Todd