The National symbols reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

National symbols

National symbols are symbols of states, nations and countries in the world. National symbols are created to unite people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of a nation's people, values, goals, or history.

These symbols are often rallied around as part of celebrations of patriotism and are designed to be inclusive and representative of all the peoples of the state, nation or country.

Examples of common national symbols

• The flag of a nation-state
• National anthems, royal and imperial hymns
• The coat of arms of, for instance, a dynasty, a land, or a town
• The office of the Head of State
• The Father of the Nation and other founding fathers
• National myths about the country's history
• The national colours
• Various other national emblems, including special plants, animals, and objects associated with the nation

This is the "National symbols" reference article from the English Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. See also our Disclaimer.