Symbols of Germany. National symbols of Germany

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

In each country there is a Hymn, the Coat of arms and the Flag. These are the three attributes without which no state can manage. Germany is no exception. Each of the characters listed has gone a long way and can tell a lot about yourself.

Take, for example, the flag of Germany. What color tricolor means, not everyone knows. And the beginning of its color scale was laid by the movement of the Germans in the 19th century for freedom. The all-German student association, which was established in 1818, painted its flag in black, scarlet and gold. Young people suggested that it was these colors - the symbols of the ancient empire. After a while (namely, in 1832), tricolor declared himself much more confident. By the way, under the same flag was held in 1848, and the March revolution.

After a while, the "German Bundestag" confirmed 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 one more 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, golden - a bright future, wealth and prosperity. Strictly speaking, it can be confidently confirmed - to date, the last color, golden, 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, in the days of the German Empire, it was a little different - black-red-white. Often in the middle of the canvas was depicted a German cross.

Also it is impossible not to say how the flag was during the Third Reich. A cloth of red color, in the center of which was depicted a white circle, and inside it - a swastika. By the way, svastika, if translated from Sanskrit, means well-being, which is connected with the good. Because many mistaken, considering this word and a symbol of fascist origin. "Swastie" is a wish for luck and prosperity. However, because of its use in the symbolism of the Third Reich, in the overwhelming majority of people it began to cause only aggression.

Symbol of Courage

Speaking about the symbols of Germany, first of all I would like to mention, of course, the eagle. It has long been forgotten about his original origin. This symbol of Germany, a photo of which every second person saw, is distinguished by a centuries-old history. Several centuries ago he did not belong to this country at all. Once upon a time, the present national symbol of Germany was on the coat of arms of the Austrian Empire.

The German eagle is very similar to the Roman one. More precisely, this is its modification, if I may say so. In the distant 800, Charles the Great ordered to restore the fundamental symbol of the mighty bird and after that proclaimed the eagle the emblem of his state. However, the image-talisman of the German capital is, oddly enough, a bear. This animal is a symbol of Germany. And as a coat of arms, it was adopted in Berlin in the XIII century. Bear is a symbol of strength and foresight.

Oak leaves

Many have heard of the eagle, but not everyone knows another symbol of Germany. Oak leaf - it's about him being spoken about. In Germany, the oak has long been considered a "German" tree. There are several good reasons for this. One of them lies in the fact that solid wood and leaves with pronounced lines since the distant times of the existence of the Germans have become full symbols of perseverance, courage and immortality.

After a while the oak got another value, becoming a symbol of fidelity. After 1871, when the German Empire was created, oak leaves became quite popular. They spread very quickly. Almost everywhere: on state symbols, coins, orders and even monuments, one could see this national symbol of Germany, which safely replaced the outdated bay leaf.

The Land of Germany

Everyone knows that this country is divided into federal lands, of which only 16. The largest is Bavaria, and the smallest is Saar. Each of the lands has its own flag and its coat of arms. And, I must say, they differ much more complicated images than the state symbols of Germany. Although some flags and coats of arms are known to everyone.

For example, the flag of Bavaria - white and blue rhombuses, going in a row. After all, this is the emblem flaunts on BMW cars. The coat of arms of the federal state of Bavaria is two lions holding a four-piece shield. Inside it, incidentally, flaunts one more small shield.

It should be noted that almost half of the German emblems depict animals. For example, the Baden-Wurttemberg emblem depicts three griffins, Berlin symbolizes a bear, Brandenburg-an eagle, Essen-lion, and Niedersachsen-a horse. On the other arms are painted buildings, architecture and other interesting images. Bremen can be recognized by a red emblem with a silver key, Hamburg - a castle with three towers, and the 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 for a long time was formed in the course of its rich history. So the images that are nowadays painted on the arms of the earth come from 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 pay special attention to such a little-known as cornflower. Everyone knows that every country has its own plant. In Germany, this is cornflower - a delicate and incredible beautiful flower growing in the fields. It is considered a symbol of a happy omen. Interestingly, during the reign of William the First, this flower was a symbol of domination. Then the cornflower had even a second name - "flower of the emperor." Thus, even several representatives of Germany's "vegetable" symbols are the cornflower and the oak, as already mentioned above.

Hymn of Germany

And, finally, a few words about the national anthem of the country. After all, as it was already 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 words are able to convey what most fully characterizes both the state and the people living in it. The authorship of the "Song of the Germans" belongs to Joseph Haydn, the composer, and the poet Hoffmann von Fallersleben. In literal translation, the name of the hymn means "Germany - above all". The song feels the patriotism of the people, their love for their country, traditions and everything connected with their homeland. Perhaps, it is on this love that this mighty and strong state rests.