The state emblem of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland shows the union of four parts: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The emblem was introduced after the union with Scotland in The shield of the emblem is divided into four parts. Northern Ireland Wales Scotland England

The two emblems of English lions symbolise the leading role of England in this union. The shield is supported by two mythic animals: the English lion and the Scottish unicorn. Bellow the emblem there are floral symbols of the four parts of the country.

The floral symbol of England is the RED ROSE. Earlier, it decorated the arms of the House of Lancaster. The Lancastrians argued for the throne of England with the Yorkists. When the Lancastrians won the war, their arms of the red rose became the symbol of the whole England.

The floral symbol of Northern Ireland is the SHAMROCK. This wild plant helped St Patrick explain to the people of his country what the Holy Trinity is.

The Welsh symbol is a vegetable called the leek(or, on occasion, the flower, the daffodil). The patron saint of Wales, David, ate only leeks and bread. In memory of this Christian saint, the leek became the symbol of Wales.

The Scottish floral symbol is the THISTLE. At one point, the Scandinavians planned to attack a Scottish village. Late at night, the Scandinavians came in their bare feet so as to not awaken the Scottish warriors in the village. But the thorns of the thistle hurt their bare feet. Their howls of pain pierced the silence and the Scots awoke to fight the enemy.