Thistle ring with natural amethysts

In the Russian tradition, thistles are considered to be a talisman plant due to their magical properties. Travelers stocked up on the road waxed (cloth soaked in wax), in which the Thistle was cooked. To do this at Christmas Thistle is pre placed for seven days and nights under the pillow. On the last, eighth night of Yuletide, bring it to the " old lady of the transition. She cooks it, with special rites, with wax and incense. The boiled wax is sewn into the incense». It was believed that the wearer of incense is protected from the machinations of evil forces on the way.