Violet, the colour, for the Imaginary Garden

(With apologies to my Scottish friends and relations. My Scots brogue here is entirely invented.)

Alloway Kirk mosaic

Thistle goblet.

by Scots wha hae

and Scots wha nae,

the violet thistle is worn th’ day

to celebrate, as well they may...

  

for the Norse invaded Scotland braw,

an’ one o’ 'em on a thistle trawd

wi’ his bare fuit and, och, did cry

until yon Scottish warriors, aye,

defeated the Norsemen, forever.

At the Imaginary Garden with Real Toads, Kim's prompt for the day is the colour VIOLET. As I searched my photo files for something violet-hued, I came upon this photo of Scotch Thistles, known to most North Americans as a noxious weed, but still beloved by those of us with Scottish ancestors. Unless, of course, we step on them with bare feet, as did the fabled Norseman who was thereafter defeated by the Scots, who made the Thistle their national flower.

Photo by Richard Schear, here in southeastern Alberta

According to Kim's research, upon which I followed up, "the colour violet is inspirational of unconditional and selfless love." Such compassion was indeed shown by those Scottish warriors who defeated the invaders so that their wee wifeys and bairns could live without fear.

"Violet likes to be unique, individual and independent," as are the Scots, who have never abandoned their quest for freedom from the English.

"Artists, musicians, writers, poets and psychics are all inspired by violet and its magic and mystery." Of course, to my mind, despite having failed bagpipe lessons, nothing is more magical and mysterious than the skirl o' the pipes.