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National symbols of France are emblems of theFrench Republic andFrench people, and they are the cornerstone of the nation's republican tradition.
The national symbols of theFrench Fifth Republic are:[1]
Other French symbols include:
The French flag is atricolour that consists of three vertical stripes of equal width, coloured in royal blue, white, and red. It is the only official French emblem, according to article 2 of the currentConstitution of France, adopted in 1958.
Thefleur-de-lis, also spelledfleur-de-lys (pluralfleurs-de-lis orfleurs-de-lys), is a commonheraldic charge in the (stylized) shape of alily (in French,fleur andlis mean'flower' and'lily' respectively). Most notably, thefleur-de-lis is depicted on theflag of Quebec and on the traditionalcoat of arms of France that was used from theHigh Middle Ages until theFrench Revolution in 1792, and then again in brief periods in the 19th century. This design still represents France and theHouse of Bourbon in the form ofmarshalling on the arms of other countries, includingSpain,Quebec andCanada.
Other European nations have also employed the symbol. Thefleur-de-lis became "at one and the same time, religious, political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic", especially inFrench heraldry. TheVirgin Mary andSaint Joseph are amongsaints often depicted with a lily.
Some modern usage of thefleur-de-lis reflects "the continuing presence of heraldry in everyday life", often intentionally, but also when users are not aware that they are "prolonging the life of centuries-old insignia and emblems". (Full article...)
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"[[La Marseillaise|La Marseillaise]]" is thenational anthem ofFrance. It was written in 1792 byClaude Joseph Rouget de Lisle inStrasbourg after the declaration of war by theFirst French Republic againstAustria, and was originally titled "Chant de Guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin" (War Song for the Army of the Rhine).
The FrenchNational Convention adopted it as theFirst Republic's anthem in 1795. The song acquired its nickname after being sung inParis byFédéré (volunteers) fromMarseille marching to the capital. The anthem's evocative melody and lyrics have led to its widespread use as a song of revolution and its incorporation into many pieces of classical and popular music.
The Italian violinistGuido Rimonda pointed out in 2013 that theincipit of "Tema e variazioni in Do maggiore" ofGiovanni Battista Viotti has a strong resemblance to the anthem. This incipit was first thought to have been published before La Marseillaise, but it appeared to be a misconception as Viotti published several variations of "La Marseillaise" in 1795 and wrote as a note "I have never composed the quartets below" (Je n'ai jamais composé les quatuors ci dessous). (Full article...)
Marianne (French pronunciation:[maʁjan]) has been thenational personification of theFrench Republic since theFrench Revolution, as an emblem ofliberty, equality, fraternity andreason, as well as a portrayal of theGoddess of Liberty.
Marianne is displayed in many places in France and holds aplace of honour in town halls and law courts. She is depicted in theTriumph of the Republic, a bronze sculpture overlooking thePlace de la Nation in Paris, as well as represented with another Parisian statue on thePlace de la République. Her profile stands out on the official government logo of the country, and appears onFrench euro coins and onFrench postage stamps. She was also featured on the formerfranc currency and is officially used on most government documents.
Marianne is a significantrepublican symbol; her French monarchist equivalent is oftenJoan of Arc. As a nationalicon Marianne represents opposition tomonarchy and the championship of freedom anddemocracy against all forms of oppression. Other national symbols of Republican France include thetricolor flag, the national mottoLiberté, Égalité, Fraternité, the national anthem "La Marseillaise", thecoat of arms, and the officialGreat Seal of France. Marianne also wore aCockade and a redPhrygian cap symbolisingLiberty. (Full article...)
The choice of the Gallicrooster as a symbol for France dates to the Middle Ages. It finds its origin in a play on the wordgallus (Latin for rooster) andGallus (Gallic). Despite its frequent use as a symbol for France, in particular by sports federations, the rooster has never been an official emblem.Cocorico! (French for 'cock-a-doodle-doo') is often used as an affirmation of French patriotism.
The Great Seal of France (French:Grand sceau de la République française) is the official seal of the French Republic. The seal features Liberty personified as a seatedJuno wearing a crown with seven arches. She holds a fasces and is supported by a ship's tiller with a rooster printed on it. At her feet is a vase with the letters "SU" (Suffrage Universel', French for 'universal suffrage'). At her right, in the background, are symbols of the arts (painter's tools), architecture (Ionic order), education (burning lamp), agriculture (a sheaf of wheat) and industry (a cog wheel). The scene is surrounded by the legendRÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, DÉMOCRATIQUE, UNE ET INDIVISIBLE (French Republic, democratic, one and indivisible) and24 FEV.1848 (24 February 1848) at the bottom.
The reverse bears the wordsAU NOM DU PEUPLE FRANÇAIS (In the name of the French people) surrounded by a crown of oak (a symbol of perennity) and laurel (a symbol of glory) leaves tied together with weed and grapes (for agriculture and wealth), and the circular national mottoLIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ, FRATERNITÉ.
France does not have an officialcoat of arms, but has an unofficial emblem. It depicts alictor'sfasces upon branches of laurel and oak, as well as a ribbon bearing the national motto ofLiberté, égalité, fraternité. The fullachievement includes the star and grand collar of theLegion of Honour. This composition was created in 1905 (during theThird Republic) by heraldicpainter-engraver Maurice de Meyère, and it has been used at theForeign Ministry during state visits and for presidential inaugurations.
The country is traditionally associated with thefleurs-de-lis design, which came into use byFrench kings during theHigh Middle Ages. This design still represents France and theHouse of Bourbon in the form ofmarshalling, such as in the arms ofSpain,Quebec, andCanada. The fleur-de-lis was also the symbol of Île-de-France, the core of the French kingdom, and the arms of many French communes.
The only national symbol specified in thepresent constitution is thetricolour flag in Article 2. (Full article...)
Thecockade of France is the national ornament of France, obtained by circularly pleating a blue, white and red ribbon. It is composed of the three colors of the French flag with blue in the center, white immediately outside and red on the edge.
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