The thistle has been a symbol of Scotland since the 12th century, when an invading Norse army was defeated by a barefoot Scotsman who stepped on a thistle and cried out in pain. This cry of pain alerted the Scots to the presence of the invading Norse and they were able to successfully defend their land. Since then, the thistle has become a symbol of Scotland’s long and proud history. Today, the thistle is a popular choice for traditional tattoos in Scotland, and beyond.