Marianne's Thistle

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

MARIANNE'S THISTLE (J4x32) 4C set Martin Sheffield Alpine Valley Dances

1- 8 1s and 3s set, turn partners RH 1½ times to face out on opposite sides and all Balance-in-Line
9-16 1s+2s+3s dance ½ reels of 3 on sides (RSh to 1st corner to start), 2s and 4s turn partners RH 1½ times. (3)(2)(1)(4)
17-24 All set and cast 1 place clockwise, middle dancers (4L+1L and 2M+3M) dance ½ R&L
25-32 All set and cast 1 place clockwise, 2s+3s also 4s+1s dance RH across. 2341

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

The thistle is Scotland's national emblem and has featured in Scottish heraldry since the fifteenth century.

The spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare), a native Scottish wildflower, is one of the species considered a possible model for the original emblem. It produces purple flower heads surrounded by sharply pointed bracts and has deeply lobed, spiny leaves.

Flower of the spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare), also known as the common thistle

Spear Thistle (Cirsium Vulgare), A Native Scottish Thistle

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