State Symbols

After World War II Germans not only had to rebuild, they had to redefine their national political identity as well. This book traces how state symbols such as national colors, anthems, holidays, capital cities, and postage stamps were used to legitimize the two Germanies from 1949 to 1959. Although the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) developed distinct post-war identities, the one cannot be understood apart from the other, for they were in direct competition to define the same state symbols. The study of symbols offers valuable insights into the realms of identity formation and of politics, that is, how symbols can promote political integration. By examining the creation of state symbols and the processes by which they were established in the public realm, Feinstein evaluates the extent to which German political culture overcame the Nazi past to legitimize both a republican and a socialist system. This book is especially relevant to scholars who want to understand the common ground upon which the citizens of today’s unified Germany can construct a shared identity.

What is common between a royal Bengal tiger, a lotus, a mango, and the Ashok Chakra? All of these are symbols linked to the Indian identity and heritage. If you have ever had a chance to see the majestic royal Bengal tiger, you must have admired its grace, power, and strength. For these very qualities, it has been chosen as the national animal of India. A colourful peacock dancing in the rain looks breathtakingly beautiful. Do you know that this pretty creature is the national bird of India? Our country has many such symbols that are part of our culture and heritage. Most of these are related to the environment and biodiversity of India. This book discusses their conservation status and the efforts being made to protect them. It also carries the all-important message that nature is integral to our national identity.

A fascinating look at national symbols worldwide and the important role they play in creating and maintaining individual and collective identity.

"In this reference book over 200 state botanical symbols are presented with a brief informative text that highlights their adoptive legislation, [and] their botanical and social history. The color photo montages add visual interest to the pages."--Back cover.

Hundreds of changes and additions to state symbols since the 1987 volume, four new chapters, and expanded coverage beyond the 50 states--including the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories--make this revised edition essential for students and library reference collections. The only single documented source for historical information and color illustrations of all state and territory symbols includes new chapters on state and territory legal holidays and observances, automobile license plates, festivals and fairs, and selected U.S. postage stamps issued in honor of the states and territories. Color illustrations of official state and territory seals, flags, flowers, trees, birds, license plates, and postage stamps complement the text. This revised edition of the only single reference source for information about state symbols updates and doubles the coverage of the original 1987 volume. New chapters on state and territory fairs and festivals and legal holidays and observances offer not only essential information, but also fascinating sidelights and unusual facts about the states and territories that are a treasure trove of information for students. The work features chapters on official state and territory names and nicknames, mottoes, seals, flags, capitols, flowers, trees, birds, songs, legal holidays and observances, license plates, miscellaneous designations, and fairs and festivals. A bibliography and subject index complete the work.

Now more than ever the role of icons and monuments in shaping a national identity is a subject of vital importance to scholars of both nationalism and memory studies. While the nation-state undoubtedly has a powerful influence on a society’s cultural memory, it cannot necessarily control the ways in which icons are perceived. Once created, national symbols and perceptions of them take on a life of their own. Taking an innovative approach to the study of Iranian nationalism, Merhavy examines the way symbols from Iran’s past have played an important role in the struggles between political, religious, and ideological movements over legitimacy in the last five decades. Using a rich variety of primary sources, he traces the process by which these symbols have been appropriated, rejected, and reinterpreted by the Pahlavi state, the Islamic opposition, and finally, the Islamic Republic. In doing so, this volume contributes to our understanding of cultural symbols that survive political upheavals, dramatic and significant as they may be. It also contributes to the growing body of literature that challenges the state centered perspective of much research on modern Iran by exposing the ever growing importance of civil society in the Iranian public sphere from the second half of the twentieth century onward.

Chemistry For You has been written for a wide range of middle-ability students who will benefit from its motivational style, leading them to better achievement at GCSE. This edition offers comprehensive coverage of the new GCSE specifications.