Twelve Blooming Thistles Hat

The thistle is very polarizing as flowers go. Detractors will often site the thistle’s propensity to cause discomfort to hands, arms, and legs as the primary reason for their antipathy, while proponents argue that this same thorny nature is one of its greatest attributes. For instance there’s a Scottish legend that claims the thistle once saved an entire army. The tale goes that late one night an invading army landed and removed their footwear so as to better sneak up upon their sleeping opponents, as they crept closer they trod through a field filled with thistles where their cries of agony wakened the Scots soldiers leading to their victory. Today it is the national flower of Scotland where it is appreciated for its past contributions and as a symbol of the determination, hardiness, and beauty of the national character. I think that deserves a hat!