There are national emblems and symbols of the four parts of Britain:
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NATION EMBLEMS |
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England |
Scotland |
Wales |
Ireland |
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Symbol: the rose *. It goes back to the 15th century, the period of the wars of the Roses. The Red Rose and the White Rose were the emblems of two rivalry houses. The rivalry ended by the marriage of Henry VII with Princess Elizabeth. And the Red Rose has become the national emblem since.
The patron saint: Saint George (his cross is part of the Union Jack)
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Symbol: the thistle (чертополох) * The origin of its importance is yet unclear, however the thistle has been a Scottish symbol for more than 500 years. It was found on ancient coins and coats of arms.
The patron saint – saint Andrew (his cross is part of the Union Jack)
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Symbol: the leek/ but present vore and vore take daffodil (thought that it is less vulgar but it suits them because it is associated with their patron saint)
The patron saint - saint David (is not represented in Union Jack, because when it was adopted as a flag of the country, Wales was a part of England) |
Symbol: The shamrock (трилистник) * The shamrock was thought to have mystical properties and the ability to predict the weather; its leaves turn skyward when a storm is brewing.
The patron saint - saint Patrick All true Irishmen wear this national emblem on saint Patrick’s Day (on the 15th of March). His cross is also part of the Union Jack. |
The patron saints of the parts of Great Britain ca be seen in large mosaics, displayed over the four doorways, leading out of the central lobby in the Houses of Parliament.
The Union Jack is the national flag of the UK, it was adopted in 1801, when saint Patrick’s cross was added.
Lion and the Unicorn are a heraldic sign of the British crown. The lion, as the king of beasts, symbolizes national strength of the British monarchy for many centuries. But sometimes people mention the idea from the Bible which reads that one day the lion will lie down with the lamb and there will be peace and happiness. The unicorn is a mythical animal, a horse with a strong horn, which symbolizes purity.
Another symbol of the British is the bulldog. They say that it symbolizes hard-work and readiness to win, though people from mainland Europe say that it symbolizes the stubbornness and stupidity of the English.
One of the patriotic songs of Britain or the national anthem is ‘God save the King/the Queen’. The four parts of Britain their own national anthems.
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1801 – The adoption of the Union Jack (national flag) |
