National Symbols of China

National Symbols or Emblems intend to unite people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of the national people, principles, goals, or history. Generally national symbols are borrowed from the natural world. Popular birds or animals are often used as national symbols, though other memorable objects can also serve the purpose.

One may find national symbols or emblems on the national flag, coat of arms, or any other patriotic materials, but it should not be confused with formal national emblems or less formal symbols potentially linked with tourism. W indmills in the Netherlands is an example of less formal symbols. Even though some unofficial symbols are considered important by the people of the land, they are not qualified as 'official symbols'. An official national symbol needs the recognition of the law of the land, which guarantees the proper use of the specific symbols.

Common official national symbols of a country is its flag, coat of arms, seal and stamp of the land or dynasty, its colors, animals a and plants, anthems, Head of State, Father or Mother of the nation. Common unofficial national symbols are like, national myths, epics, dishes, dress, dances, hero, instrument etc.

The National Symbols of China are:

•  Flags of People's Republic of China: adopted in 1949, its red color symbolizes the spirit of the revolution and the five stars signify the unity of the people of China under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party

•  National Emblem of the People's Republic of China: adopted in 1950, the Tiananman is the symbol of modern China. The cogwheel and the ears of grain represent the working class and the peasantry respectively and the five stars symbolize the solidarity of the various nationalities of China.

•  National Anthem: National Anthem of the Republic of China, composed in 1935 and originally known as the March of the Volunteers, describes the wrath of the Chinese people against imperialist aggression and their determination to protect their motherland against invaders.

•  National Color: Red and Yellow as seen in the Chinese flag and emblem are its national colors.

•  National Animal: The Giant Panda is the national animal of China. It's a mammal classified in the bear family, native to central and southern China. It is easily known by its large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, ears and on its rotund body.

The Chinese Dragon is the symbol of China's feudal monarchy. The dragon is based on a 7,000-year-old Chinese legend, and has a horse's head, a snake's body and chook's claws. It represented the emperor's power during the years of China's feudal system and it is also a sign of auspiciousness and wealth among the people.

•  National Song: "The East is Red" is a song that was actually the anthem of the People's Republic of China during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. The lyrics of the song were attributed to Li Youyuan, a farmer from northern Shaanxi, and the melody was from a local folk song.

•  National Fruit: Actinidia deliciosa is native to southern China, where it is stated as the "National Fruit" of the People's Republic of China. It's also known as the Kiwifruit.

•  National Language: Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect) is used by the Chinese people besides other minority languages.

•  National Sport: Table Tennis is the national sport of China. Ping Pang Qiu is its official name.

•  Nationalized Patriotic Symbols: The Great Wall of China is the pride of the Chinese people. It was built between 5th and 17th century BC to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire during the rule of successive dynasties. The Great Wall is the world's longest man-made structure.

•  National Costume: Also known as national dress, regional costume or folk dress. National Costume is the expression of a nation's geographical, cultural and political identity through costume. The Chinese male wears Cheongsam and the female Qipao .

•  National Bird: As it's still undecided, suggestions include the Blue-eared Pheasant and Red-crowned Crane.

•  National Flower: China does not have an "official" national flower, but the tree peony can be regarded as a national favorite. Peony was voted to the top in a study conducted in 1994 in every corner of China asking people to select a National Flower.