What does each of us associate with such a country as Great Britain? Probably, the gloomy Tower, the famous Big Ben, the grand eye of the London Eye, the royal guard at Buckingham Palace will immediately come to mind . We closely associate this country with fog, oatmeal for breakfast, unshakable traditions, beloved detective Sherlock Holmes, the Burberry brand and much more. However, a powerful sea power has many characters with which some episodes from its history are associated.
First of all, it is worth mentioning the national symbols of Great Britain: flag, coat of arms, anthem. The main work of the country is “God Save the King (Queen)!”, Depending on who is currently occupying 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 symbol of Great Britain? Of course, a flag called the Union Jack. Jack is not a name, but an old word for a sailor. Initially, such a flag was used exclusively in the Navy. The banner itself signified the union of the two kingdoms. The cross of St. George of England was superimposed on the Cross of St. 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 the United Kingdom 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 a war of two flowers - scarlet and white. As you know, the red rose (that is, the Lancaster house) defeated the white (Orc house) and occupied the throne. The war ended in the marriage of two representatives of the warring dynasties. The emblem of England is also considered a powerful oak.
Very often, the symbols of Great Britain have a floral 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 find the Scandinavians who took off their shoes in order to attack sleeping residents under cover of night. The loud cry of one Viking woke up the defenders, and they drove off the enemies.
Wales has two symbols: leek and daffodil. These are the plants that accompanied St. David. He ate during the famine, and the daffodil helped him gain victory in the war with the Saxons. The emblem of Northern Ireland is the shamrock - a plant of St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to these lands. And also a red hand symbolizing a thirst for power.
And what symbols of Great Britain do you know?