National symbol

The national flags of United Nations members flown outside the UN Headquarters. Flags are a common national symbol used by sovereign states.

A national symbol is a manifestation of a nation or community to the world, serving as a representation of their identity and values. It encompasses not only sovereign states but also nations and countries in a state of colonial or other forms of dependence, federal integration, or even ethnocultural communities that identify as a "nationality" despite lacking political autonomy.[1]

National symbols intend to unite people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of the national people, values, goals, culture and/or history. These symbols are often rallied around as part of celebrations of patriotism and/or aspiring nationalism (such as independence, autonomy, and/or separation movements) and are designed to be inclusive and representative of all the people of the national community.

Common official national symbols

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Some official national symbols like seals are insignias that not everybody is allowed to use.

Unofficial national symbols

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In many ways, well-known sights in a country can also be seen as national symbols, as can traditional items of handicraft, folk costumes, natural monuments, national epics and national myths, as well as symbols used by national sports teams and their supporters.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "England's National Symbols". england.org.za. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2012. National symbols are defined as the symbols or icons of a national community (such as England), used to represent that community in a way that unites its people.
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