New Zealand, like any other state, has its own official symbols that represent it. This is the coat of arms, the national flag and the anthem. However, the rich flora and fauna of the country suggests that there is another symbol of New Zealand. Or maybe more than one.
History of country name
The Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, who reached the shores of the Polynesian Pacific Islands in 1642, mapped their outlines. He originally gave them the name Staten Landt (Land of the States). This name did not last long, and soon it was replaced by another - Nova Zeelandia, which means "New Sea Lands" in Dutch. Captain James Cook used English in drawing up a more accurate map in 1769. This is how the name New Zealand (New Zealand), officially assigned to the country, appeared.
State symbols
New Zealand is a member of the British Commonwe alth and recognizes the authority of the British monarch.
The national flag has a blue background, there are images on itBritish flag and four red stars, symbolizing the constellation of the Southern Cross.
The coat of arms in its current form was granted to the country by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956. Prior to receiving dominion status in 1907, New Zealand, like other colonies of the British Empire, did not have its own coat of arms. The first state symbol of New Zealand was granted in 1911 by King George V. And in 1956, some changes were made to its design. The following images are present on the coat of arms shield:
1. Three ships are a symbol of maritime trade and the immigrant background of most citizens.
2. Four stars are a symbol of the constellation Southern Cross.
3. The Golden Fleece is a symbol of cattle breeding.
4. A sheaf of wheat is a symbol of agriculture.
5. Two crossed hammers are a symbol of industry and mining.
Above the shield is the crown of St. Edward - one of the royal symbols of Great Britain. Beneath the shield are two branches of a silver fern adorned with a ribbon with the inscription New Zealand. On the sides of the shield are two figures holding it. This is a European-looking woman with a New Zealand flag and a Maori warrior representing the country's indigenous people.
The country has two national anthems that have equal status - "God Save the Queen" and "God Defend New Zealand". The latter is the more used one.
Silver fern is a symbol of New Zealand
The flower with silvery leaves, which landscape designers love to decorate shady areas of the garden, refers tofern class. The official name is silver cyathea. In the wild, it grows only in New Zealand. Since ancient times, the indigenous people of the country have used all the properties of this plant. For medical purposes, it was used as an antiseptic that promotes the healing of wounds and burns. The woody part of the fern is poisonous, and Maori warriors treated the tips of their spears with the juice of its fibers.
This plant is the national symbol of New Zealand, its image can be found on army badges, coins, emblems of sports teams and clubs. In 2015, a new draft of the national flag with a fern branch was even developed. However, following the results of the 2016 referendum, it was decided to leave the design of the national flag the same.
Kiwi (bird) - a symbol of New Zealand
Another national symbol of the country is the flightless kiwi bird. This endemic has a rather funny appearance. The body of the bird resembles the shape of a pear. The wings are practically undeveloped, so they are not visible behind the dense plumage, more like wool. There is no tail, the neck is so small that it seems as if the head immediately passes into the body. The bird has a long thin beak with nostrils at the end. And strong four-toed legs allow you to run fast. And although the kiwi does not fly, it is quite difficult to catch it. The bird is small and rarely weighs more than four kilograms. The largest of the five species found in New Zealand is the large gray kiwi. Its height reaches 45centimeters.
In natural habitats, it is almost impossible to see kiwi, because it is nocturnal. Her sense of smell is better developed than her sense of touch, with her long beak with nostrils at the end, the bird literally sniffs out prey. Kiwi's main diet is insects, worms, molluscs, crustaceans, berries and small fruits. During the day, the bird hides in specially prepared shelters. These can be holes that certain kiwi species dig in the form of labyrinths, hollows and intricate tree root systems. In their habitat, a pair of birds can have up to 50 shelters, well camouflaged with leaves and moss. And although kiwi is an unofficial symbol of New Zealand, yet this endemic is the most recognizable and beloved representative of the fauna by the inhabitants of the country. His images can be found everywhere - from coins, jewelry and souvenirs to logos and advertising banners.
Kiviana
In conclusion, it is worth adding that the people of New Zealand are very fond of the unique history and nature of their country. And they even came up with such a thing as kiviana for all the national features that symbolize the country. The list is constantly updated, it includes the traditions and cultural objects of the indigenous people of New Zealand, representatives of the kingdom of nature, modern scientific and cultural achievements.
