National symbols are symbols of any entity considering itself and manifesting itself to the world as a national community (independent states, but also nations and countries in a state of colonialor other dependence, (con)federal integration, even an ethno-cultural community considered a 'nationality' despite the absence of any political self-determination. A state is an organized political community, occupying a territory, and possessing internal and external sovereignty, which successfully claims the monopoly of the use of force. ... One of the most influential doctrines in history is that all humans are divided into groups called nations. ... Look up country in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

National symbols intend to unite people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of the national people, values, goals, or history. The Savior (1410s, by Andrei Rublev) For other senses of this word, see icon (disambiguation). ...

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. Defense of the homeland is a commonplace of military patriotism: commemorating the students at the École Polytechnique, Paris, 1814 Patriotism denotes positive attitudes by individuals to their own nation, to its national homeland, its culture, its members, and to its interests. ... // Nationalism is an ideology which holds that the nation, ethnicity or national identity is a fundamental unit of human social life, and makes certain cultural and political claims based upon that belief; in particular, the claim that the nation is the only legitimate basis for the state, and that each...

Common official national symbols

• The flag of a nation-state
• The coat of arms of the land and/or ruling dynasty
• The associated device and/or motto an also be use separately
• The national colours, often derived from the above
• emblematic animals and plants/flowers, whether related to flag and/or coats of arms or not
• either the above or more abstract sumbols, especially crosses,
• National anthems, 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 tricolor flag of France A flag is a piece of coloured cloth flown from a pole or mast, usually for purposes of signalling or identification. ... The term nation-state, while often used interchangeably with the terms unitary state and independent state, refers properly to the parallel occurence of a state and a nation. ... Heraldry is the science and art of designing, displaying, describing and recording coats-of-arms (also referred to as armorial bearings or simply as arms). Its origins lie in the need to distinguish participants in battles or jousts and to describe the various devices they carried or painted on their... One of the most influential doctrines in history is that all humans are divided into groups called nations. ... // A dynasty is a succession of rulers who are members of the same family for generations. ... National colours are frequently part of a countrys set of national symbols. ... A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that is formally recognized by a countrys government as their official national song. ... Queen Elizabeth II, is the Head of State in many Commonwealth countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, New Zealand, the Bahamas and many more, as well as crown colonies and overseas territories of the United Kingdom. ... This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... Father of the Nation is a term used by many countries to describe a political or symbolic leader seen as a founding father of the nation. ... Founding Fathers are persons instrumental in the establishment of an institution, usually a political institution, especially those connected to the origination of its ideals. ...

Common unofficial national symbols

• National myths about the country's history or founding
• National epics
• National dishes
• National dress - this can have a more official character in the case of court dress or military uniforms
• National holiday
• National instrument
• Nationalism (music)
• National pastimes
• Folk dances
• Folk instrument
• Folk music
• Monuments and cliches associated with tourism
• National personifications
• 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 local symbols may be adopted as national symbols (occasionally even officially), e.g. the patron saint, a major pilgrimage site