The Scottish Award «The Order of the Thistle»

1. The composition of the order
2. Emblem
3. The position of member of the order of the thistle
4. Legend about the origin
5. The right of the monarch
6. Vestments and accoutrements
7. After the death
8. Epilogue
Plan:

The Most Ancient and noble «Order of the Thistle» is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The modern form of the Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland. On two sides of this Order we can see the Sovereign and sixteen Knights and Ladies, as well as certain "extra" knights (members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs).
The composition of the order

The Order's main emblem is the thistle, the national flower of Scotland. The motto is «Nemo me impune lacessit» (Latin for "No one provokes me with impunity"). The same motto appears on the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom for use in Scotland and some pound coins, and is also the motto of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Scots Guards, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada and Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. The patron saint of the Order is St Andrew.
Emblem

Most British orders of chivalry are award for the whole United Kingdom, but the Order of the Thistle, is only for Scotland and the second-most senior in the list of importance. Its equivalent in England, the most noble «Order of the Garter», is the oldest documented order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, dating to the middle of the fourteenth century. In 1783 an Irish order, The Most Illustrious «Order of St Patrick», was founded, but nowadays it doesn't‘ exist.
The position of member of the order of the thistle

According to the legend, Achaius, King of Scots , while engaged in battle at Athelstaneford with the Saxon King Thelstan of East Anglia, saw in the heavens the cross of St Andrew. After he won the battle, Achaius is said to have established the Order of the Thistle, dedicating it to the saint, in 786.
Legend about the origin

The Sovereign historically had the power to choose Knights of the Order.
The right of the monarch

The Star of the Order of the Thistle is for the Order's great occasions, such as its annual service each June or July, as well as for coronations, them the Knights and Ladies wear an elaborate costumes:
The mantle is a green robe worn over their suits or military uniforms. The mantle is lined with white taffeta; it is tied with green and gold tassels. The Star of the Order is depicted on the left shoulder of the mantle.
The hat is made of black velvet and is plumed with white feathers with a black egret or heron's top in the middle.
The collar is made of gold and depicts thistles and sprigs of rue. It is worn over the mantle.
The St Andrew, also called the badge-appendant, is worn suspended from the collar. It comprises a gold enamelled depiction of St Andrew, wearing a green gown and purple coat, holding a white saltire. Gold rays of a glory are shown emanating from St Andrew's head. The Star of the Order consists of a silver St Andrew's saltire, with clusters of rays between the arms thereof. In the centre a green circle is depicted bearing the motto of the Order in gold majuscules; within the circle, a thistle on a gold field is depicted. It is worn pinned to the left breast.
The broad riband is a dark green sash worn across the body, from the left shoulder to the right hip.
The Badge of the Order is attached to the right hip of the Riband. The badge depicts St Andrew in the same form as the badge-appendant surrounded by the Order's motto.
Vestments and accoutrements

After the death of a Knight or Lady, the insignia must be returned to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. The badge and star are returned personally to the Sovereign by the nearest relative of the person who died.
After the death