The crest on Plate 5, Crest 7 (Pl. 5. 7. or Pl. 5. cr. 7.) is described as a bee upon the top of a thistle, all proper (or a thistle growing with a bee sucking the flower).
Surnames Associated with this Crest:
- Gardner (Scotland)
- Innes (Barton)
- Innes (Bainacrag)
- Minnes (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Crest Symbolism
Thistle: The thistle is best known as the royal badge of Scotland and a symbol of defiance, endurance, and protection. In heraldry, it typically implies that the bearer, like the plant, cannot be touched or provoked with impunity (“Nemo me impune lacessit”). It can also represent pain and suffering leading to glory.
Bee: The bee is a universal symbol of efficient industry, creativity, and wealth accumulated through hard work. It represents a community-minded spirit, obedience to order, and sweetness (honey) resulting from diligent labor.
Proper: This term indicates that the charges are depicted in their natural colors (a green and purple thistle, a natural-colored bee).
General Symbolic Meaning
The combination of the bee and the thistle suggests a powerful balance between industry and defense. It implies a family that is hardworking and productive (the bee) but also capable of formidable defense if threatened (the thistle). It may also symbolize extracting “sweetness” or success from difficult or prickly situations, indicating resilience and the ability to thrive in harsh environments.