The symbols of Germany that exist today are not just images, they are logos that represent a whole state. And each of them has its own story.
German tricolor
Each country has a national anthem, coat of arms and flag. These are three attributes that no state can do without. Germany is no exception. Each of the characters listed has come a long way and can tell a lot about itself.
Take, for example, the flag of Germany. What do the colors of tricolor mean, not everyone knows. And the beginning of its color scheme was laid by the German movement for freedom, which took place in the 19th century. The All-German Student Association, which was created in 1818, painted its flag in black, scarlet and gold. Young people suggested that these colors are symbols of the ancient empire. After some time (namely in 1832), the tricolor declared itself much more confidently. By the way, the March revolution took place under the same flag in 1848.
After some time, the “German Bundestag” approved that the black-red-gold tricolor is the flag of Germany. What do the colors mean? This combination is a symbol of freedom and unity. There is another version, which is the most popular. Black color indicates the gloomy past of the state. Red is the domestic political situation in the country. And finally, gold - a bright future, wealth and prosperity. As a matter of fact, we can confidently confirm that today the last color, gold, has fully justified its presence in the tricolor. After all, Germany in our time is one of the most prosperous and successful countries.
Flag of the German Empire and the Third Reich
Of course, Germany did not always have a black-red-gold flag. Officially and permanently, it was approved after the war of the 40s. Much earlier, during the time of the German Empire, it was a little different - black-red-white. Often in the middle of the canvas was depicted a German cross.
It is also impossible not to say what the flag was like during the Third Reich. A red cloth with a white circle in the center and a swastika inside. By the way, svastika, if translated from Sanskrit, means well-being, which is associated with good. Therefore, many are mistaken in considering this word and a symbol of fascist origin. “Svasti” is a wish of good luck and prosperity. However, due to its use in the symbolism of the Third Reich , the overwhelming majority of people began to cause only aggression.
Symbol of courage
Speaking about the symbols of Germany, the first thing I would like to note, of course, is the eagle. It has long been forgotten about its original origin. This symbol of Germany, the photo of which every second person saw, has a long history. Several centuries ago, it did not belong to this country at all. Once upon a time, the current national symbol of Germany flaunted on the arms of the Austrian Empire.
The German eagle is very similar to the Roman. More precisely, this is its modification, if I may say so. Back in 800, Charlemagne ordered the restoration of the fundamental symbol of the mighty bird and after that proclaimed the eagle the emblem of his state. However, the mascot image of the German capital is, oddly enough, a bear. This animal is a symbol of Germany. Moreover, he was adopted as a coat of arms in Berlin in the 13th century. The bear is a symbol of strength and forethought.
Oak leaves
Many have heard about the eagle, but not everyone knows another symbol of Germany. Oak leaf - this is what we are talking about. In Germany, oak has long been considered a "German" tree. There are several good reasons for this. One of them lies in the fact that strong wood and leaves with pronounced lines from the distant times of the existence of the Germans became full-fledged symbols of stamina, courage and immortality.
After some time, the oak acquired another meaning, becoming a symbol of fidelity. After the year 1871, when the German Empire was created, oak leaves became quite popular. They spread very quickly. Almost everywhere: on national symbols, coins, orders and even monuments one could see this national symbol of Germany, which safely replaced the obsolete bay leaf.
German lands
Everyone knows that this country is divided into federal lands, of which there are only 16. The largest is Bavaria, and the smallest is Saar. Each of the lands has its own flag and its own coat of arms. And, I must say, they differ in much more complex images than the state symbols of Germany. Although some flags and coats of arms of the lands are known to everyone.
For example, the flag of Bavaria is white and blue rhombuses in a row. Indeed, such an emblem flaunts on BMW cars. The emblem of the federal state of Bavaria is two lions that hold a four-part shield. Inside it, by the way, flaunts another small shield.
It should be noted that almost half of the emblems of German lands depict animals. For example, the emblem of the land of Baden-Württemberg shows three griffins, Berlin symbolizes a bear, Brandenburg - an eagle, Essen - a lion, and Niedersachsen - a horse. The remaining emblems show off buildings, architecture and other interesting images. Bremen can be recognized by the red emblem with a silver key, Hamburg is a castle with three towers, and North Rhine Westphalia is a river and a horse.
Each nation has its own symbolism, which reflects the traditions and character of the nation, which has long been formed in the course of its rich history. Similarly, the images that show off today on the arms of the lands originate in very ancient times, and are directly related to the history of the German people.
Flower symbol
Speaking about the national symbols of Germany, I would like to emphasize with little attention such little-known as a cornflower. Everyone knows that each country has its own plant. In Germany, this is a cornflower - a delicate and incredible beautiful flower growing in the fields. It is considered a symbol of a happy omen. It is interesting that during the reign of William the First, this flower was a symbol of dominion. Then the cornflower even got a second name - “the flower of the emperor”. Thus, the “plant" symbols of Germany are even several representatives - this is a cornflower and oak, which was mentioned above.
Anthem of Germany
And finally, a few words about the national anthem of the country. After all, as has already been said, the symbols of Germany are not only flags and coats of arms. It’s also a hymn. This is an oral symbol of the country, which in words is able to convey what most fully characterizes both the state and the people living in it. The authorship of “Songs of the Germans” belongs to Joseph Haydn, composer, and poet Hoffmann von Fullersleben. In the literal translation, the name of the anthem means "Germany - Above All." The song feels the patriotism of the people, their love for their country, traditions and everything related to their homeland. Perhaps it is on this love that this powerful and strong state rests.