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Tattoo designs - S >> Scottish Lion

Scottish Lion or Lion of the North  Tattoo Designs - The Cross of Saint Andrew is the principal flag of Scotland, but the 'Lion Rampant' (as the Scottish Lion is known) is Scotland's second national flag. Rising up on its hind quarters, the Red Lion stands out against a yellow background bordered in red. According to some sources, the Rampant Lion emblem replaced the Boar on the Scottish flag in 1165.

The Scottish Lion may once have been the Irish Lion, imported to Scotland by Fergus, from whom the kings of Scotland descended. That earlier lion -- if you can believe myths going back to the 5th century -- was brought to Ireland from Egypt. Fergus is said to have reclaimed Scotland after the Romans drove the Scots from the land. He is proudly claimed by certain English Monarchs to be their ancestor, and it is perhaps in honor of Fergus that the same Lion Rampant later appeared as part of the Royal Arms.

The story goes that when Edward I of England took from Scotland the famous Stone of Destiny in 1296, he commissioned a coronation chair on which to mount it.. The chair was carved with the Scottish Lion, and sits today in Westminster Abbey.

When King James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603, the separate kingdoms of Scotland and England became united under one monarch, and the Royal Coat of Arms included the Red Lion Rampant in the top right quadrant of the heraldic shield.

Attend any football match at which Scotland is playing, and the beloved Lion of Scotland is sure to be flying. The Lion Rampant displayed on the heraldic shield will be everywhere on shirts and badges. To the sound of "Scotland the Brave" thousands of hand-held flags flashing the Red Lion on the yellow background will be waving for their team.

The Scottish Lion is a favorite tattoo design of Scots around the world, symbolizing their ties to their ancient lands.

Get inspired by some great images and photos in our Lion Rampant Inspiration Gallery

See also: Family Crest Tattoos, Scottish Clan Tattoo Index, Thistle, Celtic, Heraldic Tattoos

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Tattoo designs - S >> Scottish Lion

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