What does each of us associate with a country like Great Britain? Probably, the gloomy Tower, the famous Big Ben, the grandiose London Eye ferris wheel, the royal guard at Buckingham Palace will immediately come to mind. We associate this country with fog, oatmeal for breakfast, unshakable traditions, beloved detective Sherlock Holmes, the Burberry brand and much more. However, the powerful maritime power has many symbols associated with some episodes from its history.
First of all, it is worth mentioning the national symbols of Great Britain: flag, coat of arms, anthem. The main product of the country is "God save the King (Queen)!", Depending on who currently occupies the throne. The coat of arms of the United Kingdom is considered to be the official coat of arms of the monarch of Britain. Other members of his family have their own symbols and titles. True, two coats of arms are distinguished in the country: Scottish and traditional British. In the usual version, there are images of two lions and seven leopards, as well as a unicorn. The shield is divided into four fields, where the emblems of England, Scotland and Ireland are placed.
What is the symbolGreat Britain? Of course, the flag, which is called the "Union Jack". Jack is not a name, but an old word for a sailor. At first, such a flag was used exclusively in the navy. The cloth itself meant the unification of the two kingdoms. The Cross of Saint George of England superimposed on the Cross of Saint Andrew of Scotland on a blue background. What other symbols of Great Britain exist? This is John Bull, who is similar to Uncle Sam from the USA. He is a fictional character: a typical gentleman in a tailcoat, fat, rich. The symbol "Britain" is also popular - the female embodiment of the country. This is a girl in a helmet, sitting on the globe and holding a trident and a shield in her hand (a hint of the sea power of the state).
These were symbols of Great Britain common to the whole country. But each part of the United Kingdom has its own emblems.
Let's start with England. The symbol of this part of Britain is considered to be a red rose. It reminds us of the war of two flowers - scarlet and white. As you know, the red rose (that is, the house of Lancaster) defeated the white one (the house of Orcs) and took the throne. The war ended with the marriage of two representatives of the warring dynasties. The mighty oak is also considered the emblem of England.
Very often symbols of the UK have a plant theme. Perhaps these are echoes of the beliefs of the Celtic Druids, who worshiped the forces of nature. The emblem of Scotland is the thistle. According to legend, this flower helped to discover the Scandinavians, who took offshoes to attack sleeping residents under cover of night. The loud cry of one Viking woke up the defenders and they drove the enemies away.
Wales has two symbols: the leek and the daffodil. These are the plants that accompanied Saint David. He ate onions during the famine, and the narcissus helped him gain victory in the war with the Saxons. The emblem of Northern Ireland is the shamrock - the plant of St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to these lands. And also a red hand, symbolizing the lust for power.
And what symbols of Great Britain do you know?
