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, 23:42, April 12, 2009
The ancient '''Order of the Thistle''' is [[Scotland]]’s highest order of [[chivalry]]. Its origins go back to the legend of the Cross of [[Saint Andrew]], which appeared in the sky on the eve of a successful battle against the [[English]] king, [[Athelstan]] in the early 10th century and became Scotland’s national emblem.
It fell out of favour but was revived by [[James II]] of England in 1687.
By a statute of 1827, the Order consists of the Sovereign and sixteen knights. The insignia is a silver Cross of St. Andrew surrounding a green thistle and the motto: ''“Nemo Me Impune Lassecit”'' (''“No one wounds me with impunity.”'')
It is Scotland’s equivalent to the [[Order of the Garter]].
[[Category: Scotland]]
[[Category: Scottish history]]