Cultural Icons

of Scotland

As you will discover, some of these icons perhaps did not originate in Scotland while others have travelled with many migrants who left these shores for distant lands and so have become established elsewhere. Nevertheless, each of the items featured here represents something of a Scottish icon.

Whisky 威士忌 - 苏格兰国酒

In Gaelic-the Celtic language of Scotland-whisky means water of life.Whisky is a strong alcoholic drink made from malted grain﹙ 麦芽谷物﹚ .The type of whisky produced in Scotland is called Scotch.Scotch has been produced for hundreds of years.Today the whisky industry is the main pillar of the Scottish economy.

The bagpipe 风笛 - 苏格兰之音 Bagpipes are undoubtedly one of Scotland’s most powerful icons both in sound and in sight. A bagpipe consists of a reed pipe with finger holes and a leather bag which provides a reservoir of air for the pipe.

The Great Highland Bagpipe﹙ 高地大风笛﹚ is the most common bagpipe in Scotland.It is a very loud instrument and is therefore often played outside.The origins of the bagpipe are not uniquely Scottish ,but presumably Asian.But even though the Scots did not invent the bagpipes , they kept them alive as part of their musical tradition.

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The Scottish kilt

The Scottish kilt and the tartan ﹙ 格子呢﹚ are also two important iconic images of Scotland. The kilt is the national dress and is traditionally worn by Scottish men at official celebration such as weddings, or Hogmanay （除夕欢庆活动） . In the Scottish army the kilts are used as part of the ceremonial uniform. Sometimes it is also part of the school uniform or is part of scout （童子军） uniform.

The thistle 蓟花—苏格兰国花

The thistle is the national flower of Scotland and can also be seen as an important national icon. It is a wild plant with prickly （多刺的） leaves and purple flowers. It features in many Scottish symbols and logos, and on UK coins.

Why has it been adopted as Scotland’s national emblem? Legend has it that a sleeping party of Scottish soldiers were almost attacked by Vikings and were only saved, because one of the warriors trod on a wild thistle. Thus the flower became known as the” Guardian Thistle” ﹙ 护卫花﹚ and out of gratitude a national emblem of Scotland.

蓟花

The Saltire Flag 圣安德鲁十字旗

According to legend,the flag of Scotland dates from the 9th century and is therefore the oldest national flag in Europe. The Scottish flag features the cross of St.Andrew,also known as the Saltire. St.Andrew is the patron saint.

Tradition has it that the Saltire flag originated in a battle fought in East Lothian in the Dark Ages﹙832 AD﹚.It is said that St. Andrew came to king Angus the previous night of the battle telling him that the battle would be a successful one .The following morning a white diagonal cross appeared in the blue sky.The King did win the Battle of East Lothian and the Saltire therefore became the national flag of Scotland.

The Gaelic language

Gaelic is the longest-standing language used in Scotland and can boast one of the richest song and oral traditions in Europe. In Scotland there are groups of people who are fighting hard to keep Gaelic alive. They are really successful.

• Whereas by the middle of the 20th century Gaelic was slowly dying out, the minority language is now slowly being reintegrated into public life. Today official bodies including national organizations, local authorities and commercial organizations have adopted a Gaelic name. Moreover there are numerous Gaelic playgroups, vocational Gaelic courses for pupils.

Thank you very much !