I thought this was a joke when I heard it, but it is true!!!
Unicorns have featured in many cultures over the centuries, and even though they are mythical, what they represent has captured many hearts and minds along the way. This is especially true for the Scots.
How Did This Happen?
The answer to this question lies in heraldry. in the mid-1500s, the Scottish Coat of Arms started depicting 2 Unicorns wrapped in gold chains. It stuck until 1603 when King James VI of Scotland also became James I of England, and decided to substitute one of the unicorns with the English Lion, to represent the unity between the 2 countries.
Interestingly, the unicorns are always shown to be wrapped in gold chains. Although we aren’t entirely sure why, some say it depicts that only the Kings of Scotland have the power to tame the untamable.
Unicorns can be found throughout Scotland in the form of statues and monuments, honoring their national animal. Some include the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Apartments at Edinburgh Castle, and several hiding among the Victorian woodcarvings at St Giles’ Cathedral.
Other Interesting Facts
- What Were Albert Einstein’s Last Words?
Albert Einstein is one of the most famous thinkers in history, but what were his last words? - How many grapes does it take to make 1 bottle of wine?
Ever wondered how many grapes it takes to make 1 glass of wine? Or a whole bottle of wine? - The Spanish Flu didn’t originate in Spain
All though it contradicts the title, the Spanish Flu actually originated in…
Facts You May Not Know
- How Many Hairs Do You Lose a Day?Losing hair every day is a natural phenomenon that we all have to deal with. But how many hairs do we lose a day on average?
- 5 Ways to Tell if a Diamond is Real or Fake.
There are lots of ways to fake a diamond. But there are easy ways to figure out if they are fake or not… - How Long does a $1 Bill Last in Circulation?
The average $1 bill gets passed through hands 720 times in it’s lifespan. How long do you think that lifespan is?
