National symbol
237373
225935967
2008-07-16T02:36:57Z
SJL
1262413
Quick-adding category "Concepts (nationalism studies)" (using [[WP:HOTCAT|HotCat]])
A '''national symbol''' is a [[symbol]] of any entity considering itself and manifesting itself to the world as a national community – namely [[state|sovereign states]], but also [[nation]]s and [[country|countries]] in a state of colonial or other dependence, (con)federal integration, or even an ethnocultural community considered a 'nationality' despite the absence of political autonomy.
National symbols intend to unite people by creating visual, verbal, or [[Cultural icon|icon]]ic representations of the national people, values, goals, or history.
These symbols are often rallied around as part of celebrations of [[patriotism]] or aspiring [[nationalism]] (such as independence, autonomy or separation movements) and are designed to be inclusive and representative of all the peoples of the national community.
==Common official national symbols==
*The [[national flag|flag]] of a [[nation-state]]
*The [[Heraldry|coat of arms]], [[seal (device)|seal or stamp]] of the [[nation|land]] and/or ruling [[dynasty]]
*The associated device and/or motto can also be use separately
*The [[national colours]], often derived from the above
*emblematic animals and plants/flowers, whether related to the above or not
*either the above or more abstract symbols, especially crosses,
*[[National anthem]]s, royal and imperial hymns; alongside such official hymn(s) custom may also recognize the national symbol value of very popular songs, such as
*The office of the [[Head of State]], and in case of a monarchy (often to some extent even after its political elimination) certain of its [[regalia]], such as [[crown jewels]]
*The [[Father of the Nation]] and other [[founding fathers]]
*The [[Mother of the Nation]] and other [[founding mothers]]
==Common unofficial national symbols==
*[[National myth]]s about the country's history or [[Founding myth|founding]]
*[[National epic]]s
*[[National dish]]es
*[[National dress]] - this can have a more official character in the case of court dress or military uniforms
*[[National Day]]
*[[National instrument]]
*[[Nationalism]]
*[[National pastime]]s
*[[Folk dance]]s
*[[Folk hero]]
*[[Folk instrument]]
*[[Folk music]]
*[[Culture hero]]
*[[Monuments]] and [[cliches]] associated with [[tourism]]
*[[National personification]]s
*Various other [[national emblems]], including special plants, animals and objects associated with the nation,
* in a nation largely stamped by a particular religion, some of its mste revered symbols may be adopted as national symbols (occasionally even officially), e.g. the [[patron saint]] or equivalent deity, a major pilgrimage site, church or temple
==See also==
*[[Religion in national symbols]]
*[[List of international auto racing colors]]
[[Category:National symbols| ]]
[[Category:Concepts (nationalism studies)]]
[[cs:Státní symbol]]
[[de:Nationales Symbol]]
[[eo:Nacia simbolo]]
[[es:Símbolo nacional]]
[[fr:Emblème]]
[[pl:Symbol narodowy]]
[[pt:Símbolo nacional]]
[[simple:National symbols]]
[[sr:Državni simboli Češke Republike]]