(no subject)

[zana16]

Can anyone tell me what the lion and the unicorn symbolize in English royal heraldry?

For that matter, why on earth DOES Prince Charles wear a kilt?

Comments

[capitola.livejournal.com]

Lion: Lion of Britain...its a symbol of the whole country

Unicorn: I haven't a clue...though I almost recall something vaguely

Kilt: Does it possibly have anything to do w/ him being Prince of Wales??

[littleshebear.livejournal.com]

I believe that the unicorn is a symbol of purity but don't quote me on that.

As for the Jug-eared lunatic's dress-sense; the Royal family's summer residence is in Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, not that far from where I live. Oh joy, lucky me. I think the kilt is a sort of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" thing.

[zana16.livejournal.com]

*blinks*

You mean they actually wear kilts in Aberdeenshire nowadays?

Forgive me if that was an ignorant American question. It just honestly never occured to me that kilts were anything more than ceremonial these days.

[littleshebear.livejournal.com]

A couple of people do wear them as normal dress but these days most people only wear them for weddings etc. so you're not wrong. But the royal family being who they are, practically every day is like a ceremony.

Actually, I usually get the opposite problem; people assuming that scots still swan around in full plaid gear every day. So this is a refreshing change. ;)

[lycaste.livejournal.com]

The lion represents England, and the unicorn represents Scotland.

More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Coat_of_Arms_of_the_United_Kingdom
Bit of history here:
http://footguards.tripod.com/08HISTORY/08_heraldry.htm

An "alternative" viewpoint here:
http://www.anycities.com/jahtruth/britca.htm
(NB: the word British is derived from the OE Bryttisc.)

[zana16.livejournal.com]

Thankee!