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]]