The flag and coat of arms of France, along with the national anthem, are considered the main national symbols of the state. These signs have deep historical roots and have undergone various transformations more than once. Let's take a closer look at them.

French flag

After the adoption of Christianity under Clovis, the first flag of the country became a blue banner. It had a purely religious significance and was established in 496.

The blue banner was the sacred sign of the patron saint of France, Saint Martin..

In 800, Charlemagne came to power. He changed the color of the flag to red. Under the red sign, French troops managed to conquer many lands.

Louis the Sixth in the 12th century again changed the color of the flag to blue, and also added the emblem of golden lilies to it.

In 1789, Lafayette (an active figure in the revolution) came up with a tricolor banner for France. The colors stood for freedom, universal equality and brotherhood. So the flag began to be painted with blue, white and red vertical stripes.

In addition, the Parisian fighters for the revolution had red and blue cockades in their costume. The tricolor canvas was officially approved as a national symbol in 1794. The naval flag of France has the same shades as the state symbol.

History of the French coat of arms

Before the final version was adopted, the coat of arms of France was changed almost eight times. Latest version was approved in 1953. The two letters on the modern coat of arms stand for "Republic of France" (RF).

Branches olive tree on the main symbol of the state are interpreted as peace. The oak pattern can be described as longevity. The base of the coat of arms is decorated with Roman fasces, signifying justice.

In the 5th century, King Clovis' personal banner featured three toads. Later, with the adoption of Christianity by the country, heraldic lilies served as the coat of arms. Lilies denoted the patronage of the Virgin Mary and were also the emblem of the Capetian dynasty.

During Hundred Years' War The French had a hard time. They often lost to the British until the famous Joan of Arc joined their ranks. Then the coat of arms of France changed again. The lilies, as before, remained on one side, and on the other side Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, God and two angels were depicted.

The French Revolution also contributed to the change in the symbolism of the monarchy to other signs. This is how the eagle and disc appeared on the French coat of arms of blue color. The proud bird held bundles of lightning in its paws.

Bees were also added to the coat of arms, which were reputed to be Napoleon’s personal emblem. In 1832, the country's emblem was changed to a design of a Gallic rooster.

Today, France does not have a personal coat of arms. This choice in favor of abandoning it was made because the French consider the coat of arms to be a relic of the past..

The coat of arms, which was adopted in 1953, has no legal force or official status. The French make another emblem that is much more important than this sign.

Marianne is rightfully considered a national treasure and synonymous with France. This sign is a drawing of a young woman wearing a Phrygian headdress.

Such a symbol directly represents equality and fraternity, as well as the freedom of the French people. The figurine of Marianna is a mandatory attribute of all courts, as well as government bodies.

The profile of this beautiful maiden is on state seal countries. The image of the symbol is minted on French coins. After all, Marianna is loved and significant for all citizens of the state.

The Phrygian cap placed on the woman's head dates back to Roman history. Back then, such a cap was worn by freed slaves. Therefore, the cap was chosen as a symbol of freedom.

In 1970, the image of Marianne ceased to be collective. Since that time, the following people have become living prototypes of women:

• Bardo;
• Morgan;
• Mathieu;
• Deneuve;
• La Fressange;
• Caste;
• Tom;
• Marceau.

Actresses, singers and models were chosen as prototypes for their beauty, as well as for their contributions to cultural heritage France.

The French flag and coat of arms went through a lot before they received the approval of their contemporaries. It is difficult to imagine a country whose symbolism would change as often and rapidly as it did in France. Today, the French have decided on the main signs of the state, and hope that they will bring stability to their native territories.

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Every country has a national treasure that passes from generation to generation. These riches arise from historical events and legends. France is very rich in its national heritage, which has become a property not only within one country, but throughout the world. Who among us has not heard about the Gallic rooster, the Marseillaise, the slogan “Freedom. Equality. Brotherhood"! In order to better understand the mentality of a country, you need to learn more about its symbols.

French flag

Today the flag of France is a tricolor, stripes that are directed vertically. The color on the left is blue, the color on the right is red, and in the middle is white. What do these colors mean? The color white is a symbolic reminder of the monarchy. Since 1590, the flag of France has been monotonously white. Later on White color they embroidered lilies in honor of kings. As a result of the French Revolution, the white flag of the flag changed to three colors. Red symbolized the fiery hearts of the country's patriots, and blue symbolized St. Martinius of Tours. Some people associate white with Joan of Arc.

Anthem "La Marseillaise"

On July 14, 1794, the Marseillaise was approved as the national anthem of France. The song was written in Strasbourg during the revolution in the country. She quickly gained popularity, capturing Marseille (hence the name of the song), and then Paris. At the end of the 19th century, a revolutionary song adapted from the Marseillaise was performed by workers in Russia (“worker’s Marseillaise”). Today it is the most recognizable anthem in the world.

"Gallic Rooster"

Back in the 15th century, the Gallic rooster was chosen as the emblem of France. But the symbol has been known for a long time. The Romans called the local residents Gauls, which meant “rooster”, actually “Gaul”, because of their arrogance and cocky character. This symbol is today applied to the presidential seal and can also be found on the fence of the Champs Elysees.

Fleur-de-lis

Translated it means “lily flower”. According to various legends, this emblem of the country was chosen by the leader of the Franks, Clovis I. The emblem represents three crossed lilies: mercy, justice, compassion. Royal scepters were made in the shape of three lilies; under Louis XIV, lilies were applied to coins. For five centuries the English used fleurs-de-lis on their coats of arms to show their views on the throne of France. Fleur-de-lis is also interpreted as a symbol of the Holy Trinity. This sign is the symbol of Florence (“city of lilies”) in Italy.

Cross of Lorraine

The Cross of Lorraine (named after Lorraine, a region in France) is the shape of a cross with two crossbars. It was first used in France in the House of Anjou. In addition to the French, the Hungarians used the cross of Lorraine, applying it to coats of arms and coins. During World War II, the Cross of Lorraine was a symbol of the liberation of France and the struggle led by

France is one of the largest states in Europe; it has a centuries-old history of its existence both as a monarchy and as a republic. At the same time, in modern world it is the only European power that does not have a national coat of arms. Its role is played by the emblem, which also has no official status. The absence of a coat of arms is explained by the fact that the French, who committed the Great French Revolution, overthrew the monarchy and proclaimed freedom, equality and fraternity, are not ready to return to the heraldic symbols associated with the power of the monarchy.

French emblem

A modern alternative to the coat of arms today is the emblem of France. It looks like a crescent-shaped shield (pelta), on one side of which is the head of a lion, on the other - an eagle. On the pelt there is a monogram “RF”. Behind the shield, perpendicular to it, are placed fascia - bundles of elm or birch twigs, tied with belts. An ax (axe) is inserted into their middle. The fictions are surrounded by oak and olive branches. The main color of the emblem is gold.

In 2018, the cross of Lorraine (a cross with two crossbars at the top) appeared on the fasces.

Historical coats of arms of France

The modern emblem, which is now used as an analogue of the coat of arms, is an unofficial sign of the Fifth Republic. In the history of French symbolism, there are many coats of arms, as well as emblems. The chronology of their existence is as follows.

Before 1305 and from 1328 to 1376 - azure shield and a large number of fleur-de-lis on it. Blue (azure) color is a symbol of the country's patron saint, St. Martin, and the lily is the flower of the Virgin Mary, denoting purity and purity. The lily was the emblem of the third dynasty on the French throne - the Capetians. Since the fleur-de-lis (lily flower) was subsequently present on all the royal coats of arms of France of different dynasties, it began to be perceived by the French as a symbol of the monarchy as a whole.

With the coat of arms of Navarre

1305-1328 - during the reign of Philip V the Long, the left half of the coat of arms was the same - blue with gold lilies, and right part was the coat of arms of Navarre, which the king inherited from his mother, Joanna I of Navarre - on a red shield field around the perimeter and in the form of an oblique and straight cross, golden chains. At the place of their intersection, in the middle of the shield, there is a green emerald. The shield is decorated with a crown in the form of a hoop with five lily-shaped teeth.

Under Charles V

1376-1515 - in the coat of arms of the Valois dynasty (under Charles V or under his son Charles VI the Mad) there are three golden lilies on a blue shield field as a sign of the triplicity of the Holy Trinity. Above the shield is the same royal crown with five prongs in the form of lilies.

Under Francis I and Henry III

1515-1589, during the period in power of the Valois dynasty during the time of Francis I, the French coat of arms was decorated with the crown and the Order of St. Michael, and under Henry III - also the Order of the Holy Spirit, approved by him. Above the shield is a royal crown with five lilies at the base and one crowning the headdress. The crown is decorated with pearls.

Under Henry IV of Navarre

1589-1792 - for more than 200 years, the coat of arms featured a blue and gold shield with three lilies and a red shield of Navarre with gold chains, placed on a mantle topped with a crown. Later the Navarrese shield was removed. Above the shields (one shield in the future) there was a knight's helmet, and they were united by the orders of the Holy Spirit and St. Mikhail. On both sides of the shields/shields stood angels in tabard capes as holders. The motto "Montjoie Saint Denis!" (Saint Denis is with us!) is inscribed on a blue ribbon, the ends of which develop near the crown. At first, this heraldic sign also contained the coat of arms of 12 major provinces of France, but they were later removed.

Under Napoleon

1804-1815 on the blue disk of the First Empire during the era of Napoleon Bonaparte there was an eagle with golden plumage. The bird of prey held a bundle of lightning in its talons. Surrounded by the chain of the Legion of Honor, the shield sits on a mantle with a crown and crossed sceptres. The royal robe is strewn with bees (the personal symbol of the famous Corsican), which symbolize immortality, resurrection, and hard work. The eagle here is a symbol of military glory.

Restoration of the monarchy

1814-1830, during the restoration of the monarchy, the previous royal coat of arms was returned, only the shield took on the shape of an oval.

Under Louis Philippe I

1830-1831 - the family coat of arms of the House of Orleans and its representative Louis Philippe, who became king, became a symbol of France for one year. This coat of arms is the same traditional shield with three fleurs-de-lises, and the angels on it have been replaced by French banners.

After the revolution

1831-1848 - on the Orleans coat of arms, the shield with lilies was replaced by a tablet with the inscription “Constitutional Charter. 1830".

Under Napoleon III

1852-1870 Napoleon II slightly changed the coat of arms of the times of Napoleon Bonaparte: the eagle was now placed on the shield.

Unofficial emblems

After 1870, France did not have a coat of arms; from this year, the era of unofficial emblems began, in which the lictor's bun occupied a central place.

1905-1953 - the emblem looks like a blue oval with a gold lictor's tuft (fasces with an ax) surrounded by gold olive and oak branches.

The fasces are intertwined with a ribbon with the words “Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite” (Liberty. Equality. Fraternity).

The emblem is decorated with the Order of the Legion of Honor.

Blue and gold as the historical heraldic French colors are preserved, which emphasizes the continuity of historical traditions.

Since 1953, the emblem has been changed and remains in effect to this day.

The reluctance of the French to officially accept the emblem may also be explained by the fact that throughout the history of its existence the country has changed great amount coats of arms and emblems, when changing forms of government, rulers, political regimes.

Data

A number of interesting facts are associated with the country’s emblem:

• This symbol is considered an emblem because the heraldic norms were violated during its design. It has existed since 1953.
• This sign has not been officially adopted, although it is used everywhere, for example, decorating the covers of French passports and the building of the French Foreign Ministry.

The current emblem is not a constant value, since formally it is appearance is not legalized, therefore changes and additions to the emblem are possible.

In particular, in 2018, the Lorraine cross appeared on it. This change is timed to coincide with the upcoming celebration of a number of events in 2020:

• Eightieth anniversary of Charles de Gaulle's call to resist Hitler's Germany.
• Sixtieth anniversary of the Fifth Republic.
• Fiftieth anniversary of the death of Charles de Gaulle, General, politician and President of France in 1959-1969.

Rationale and meaning of the emblem symbols

Although the emblem of France does not meet the requirements of heraldry, the objects depicted on it are deeply symbolic:

• Pelta. A type of shield of a peculiar shape (sickle-shaped) was used by the infantrymen of Thrace ( Balkan Peninsula). The emblem is used as a sign of the French readiness to defend their homeland from enemies, both external and internal.
• A lion. One of the most common symbols of world heraldry. He personifies strength, perseverance, prudence. This is a symbol of the power of the state. In this case, if you look at the image, the left side of the pelta represents the head of a lion.
• Eagle head. A symbol of equal importance to a lion, which is why they are placed at the two ends of the pelta. This figure is the second most common in heraldry after the lion. Denotes dominance, power, state sagacity. The eagle's head is turned towards the center, like the lion's. Both animals are drawn conventionally, schematically, there is no detailed drawing.
• Oak branches on the coat of arms of France denote power, strength, endurance, and also wisdom.
• Olive branches are present here as a symbol of peace and the desire to live in harmony with representatives of other countries and peoples inhabiting our planet.
• Fasces and an ax (axe) appear here as a symbol of justice and protection of statehood. This is an attribute of ancient Roman kings, and later republican kings higher masters who have the right to use force in the execution of their decisions.
• The monogram "RF", where the "R" is superimposed on the "F", stands for the French Republic (République française), i.e. denotes the current form government France (mixed democratic republic).
• The Lorraine cross, which appeared on the coat of arms later than all the elements, is a symbol of the French Resistance and France during the time of Charles de Gaulle.

Oddly enough, the emblem of France did not become a popular symbol of the country recognized by the French. More popular national symbols are Marianna, the Phrygian cap, the Gallic rooster, and the lily.. But everything is changing. Who knows, maybe someday the freedom-loving French will develop their own coat of arms, corresponding to the heraldic canons, which will become a symbol of modern France.

Elle est écrite dans la Constitution de 1958 qui déclare que: “La France est une républiqueindivisible, laïque, démocratique et sociale. Elle assure l"égalité devant la loi de tous les citoyens sans distinction d"origine, de race ou de religion."

• Le drapeau français

Il est tricolore, bleu, blanc et rouge: le blanc est la couleur de la royauté, le bleu et le rouge sont les couleurs de la ville de Paris. Emblème de la République, il est né sous la Révolution française.

• La Marseillaise

L'hymne national français a été composé à Strasbourg par un officier de l'armée républicaine, Joseph Rouget de Lisle. Le roi de France était en guerre contre l"Autriche. Ce chant militaire a eu beaucoup de succès et un peu plus tard les troupes marseillaises l"ont choisi comme chant de marche - d"où son nom La Marseillaise. En 1795 il est devenu l"hymne national. Depuis 2005, il est obligatoire d"enseigner La Marseillaise à l"école aux enfants de l"école primaire au cours d"éducation civique. Certains parents pensent que les paroles, qui parlent de guerre, sont trop violentes et qu"il est plus important de travailler à la paix et à la construction européenne.

Le territoire français à l "origine s" appelait la Gaule et ses habitants les Gaulois. Comme le mot gallus en latin signifie "Gaulois" et "coq", cet animal est devenu le symbole de la France, particulièrement dans les compétitions sportives.

• Loi du sang ou loi du sol?

Quand son père ou sa mère est français(e), un enfant a la nationalité française: c "est la "loi du sang". Si ses parents sont étrangers et qu"il est né en France, est-ce qu"un enfant Est français (“loi du sol”)? Oui, si avant l"âge de 18 ans (l"âge de la majorité) il a habité pendant au moins cinq ans en France et s"il fait une demande pour obtenir la nationalité.
L"âge de La majorité est l"âge où ton peut voter, conduire une voiture, se marier sans autorisation des parents et où l"on est responsable de ses actes devant la loi.

• La population franchise

En 2012 elle était de 65.4 millions de personnes. La France est le pays le plus peuplé d"Europe.

• La mystérieuse Marianne

Avec son bonnet révolutionnaire (le bonnet "phrygien"), elle personnifie la France depuis 1792 et son buste est dans toutes les mairies de France. Elle est représentée aussi sur les pièces de monnaie et les timbres-poste et a sa statue de bronze sur la place de la Nation à Paris. Depuis le début des années 1970, des personnalités françaises lui ont donné leur visage: Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve (actrices), Inès de la Fressange (styliste) et Laetitia Casta (mannequin).