Religion in national symbols
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Religion in national symbols
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Religion in national symbols can often be found in national anthems or flags. This has led to controversy in some countries in regard to the separation of church and state, when the national symbol is officially sanctioned by a government.
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Flags which incorporate symbols of religion
Abrahamic religions
| Flag | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
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Ethiopia (flag) | Pentagram (symbol to the Solomonic dynasty) |
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Morocco (flag) | The Seal of Solomon |
Christianity
Islam
| Flag | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
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Afghanistan (flag) | Shahadah and a mosque with its mihrab facing Mecca |
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Algeria (flag) | Star and crescent, green color symbolizes the tribe of Muhammad |
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Azerbaijan (flag) | Blue represents Turkic heritage, red means revolution and change, and green and the Crescent and star stand for Islam. |
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Bahrain (flag) | five points represent the five pillars of Islam |
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Brunei (flag) | Crescent moon |
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Comoros (flag) | Star and crescent, green color symbolizes the tribe of Muhammad |
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Egypt (flag) | the Golden Eagle of Saladin |
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Iran (flag) | The word "Allah" ("God") |
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Iraq (flag) | The phrase "Allah Akbar" ("God is Great") |
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Jordan (flag) | Horizontal colors symbolize Abbasid, Umayyad and Fatimid, red triangle symbolizes Banu Hashim |
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Libya (flag) | Green (symbolizes the tribe of Muhammad) and Star and crescent |
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Malaysia (flag) | Crescent moon |
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Maldives (flag) | White crescent moon |
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Mauritania (flag) | Star and crescent, green color symbolizes the tribe of Muhammad |
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Oman (flag) | green color symbolizes the tribe of Muhammad |
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Pakistan (flag) | Star and crescent symbolizes that Islam is Ideology, green color symbolizes that Muslim community is in majority. |
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Singapore (flag) | crescent moon |
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Saudi Arabia (flag) | Almost entirely green, the phrase "There is no god but God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God" |
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Sudan (flag) | White stripe symbolizes Islam |
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Syria (flag) | Horizontal colors symbolize Abbasid, Umayyad and Fatimid |
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Tajikistan (flag) | green color symbolizes the tribe of Muhammad |
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Tunisia (flag) | Star and crescent |
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Turkey (flag) | Star and crescent |
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Turkmenistan (flag) | Star and crescent |
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Uzbekistan (flag) | Star and crescent (unofficial) |
Judaism
| Flag | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
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Israel (flag) | The Star of David |
Hinduism & Sikhism
| Flag | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
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India (flag) | The Wheel of Dharma in the middle, saffron relates to Hinduism and Sikhism, green to Islam, & white to Christianity. |
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Nepal (flag) | The sun and moon as emblems on it, the triangular shape is generally related to flags of Hindu kingdoms in the region. |
Buddhism
| Flag | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
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Bhutan (flag) | White Dragon (Druk) |
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Cambodia (flag) | Angkor Wat |
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Sri Lanka (flag) | Lion and a Sword |
Taoism
| Flag | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
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Mongolia (flag) | Soyombo symbol (which include Sun. Moon and Yin and Yang as its elements) |
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Republic of China (flag) | 12 sun rays represents Chinese hours and the Chinese zodiac |
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South Korea (flag) | Taijitu |
Shintoism
| Flag | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
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Japan (flag) | The sun means the goddess Amaterasu |
Traditional Religions
| Flag | Country | Religious characteristics |
|---|---|---|
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Argentina (flag) | Sun of May |
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Barbados (flag) | trident |
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Botswana (flag) | Black and White refers to the zebras |
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Croatia (flag) | Pan-Slavic colors |
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Czech Republic (flag) | Pan-Slavic colors |
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Guyana (flag) | spear |
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Ireland (flag) | green is the color of the Gaelic |
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Kenya (flag) | Maasai shield and two spears |
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Kazakhstan (flag) | blue means the sky god Tengri |
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Kyrgyzstan (flag) | the sun's 40 rays represent the 40 Kyrgyz tribes |
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Lesotho (flag) | mokorotlo |
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Macedonia (flag) | Vergina Sun |
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Mexico (flag) | The eagle holding the snake represents Tenochtitlan |
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Slovenia (flag) | Pan-Slavic colors |
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Swaziland (flag) | Shield and two spears |
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Uruguay (flag) | Sun of May |
Flags of sub-state entities or claimed states which incorporate symbols of religion
Basque Country, Autonomous Community of Spain (Christianity)
Asturias, Autonomous Community of Spain (Christianity)
Galicia, Autonomous Community of Spain (Christianity)
Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Autonomous state of Pakistan (Islam)
Pernambuco, State of Brazil (Christianity)
Espírito Santo, State of Brazil (Christianity)
Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (Buddhism)
Macau, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (Buddhism)
Montserrat, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom (Christianity)
England, a country within the United Kingdom (Christianity)
Scotland, a country within the United Kingdom (Christianity)
Ontario, a Province of Canada (Christianity)
Montreal, a City in Canada (Christianity)
Cocos (Keeling) Islands, an overseas territory of Australia (Islam)
Quebec, a Province within Canada (Christianity)
Nagorno-Karabakh, a landlocked region in Azerbaijan (Christianity)
New South Wales, a State within Australia (Christianity)
Saarland, a federal states within Germany (Christianity)
Yukon, a Province within Canada (Christianity)
Utrecht, a Province within Netherlands (Christianity)
British Columbia, a Province of Canada (Christianity)
Hawaii, a State within the United States (Christianity)
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (or "Sahara Republic"), claimed state within Morocco and Mauritania (Islam)
Nova Scotia, a Provinces within Canada (Christianity)
Somaliland, de-facto functioning state within Somalia (Islam)
Alberta, a Provinces within Canada (Christianity)
The Central Tibetan Administration which claims jurisdiction over Tibet. (Buddhism).
East Turkestan, a broad term that refers to advocates of an independent, self-governing East Turkestan in the region Xinjiang (Islam)
Tokelau, an overseas territory of New Zealand (Christianity)
Upper Austria, a State of Austria (Christianity)
Niue, an overseas territory of New Zealand (Christianity)
Styria, a State of Austria (Christianity)
Queensland, a State of Australia (Christianity)
South Australia, a State of Australia (Christianity)
Northern Cyprus, a de facto independent state in Cyprus (Islam)
Serbian Krajina, former entity of Croatia (Christianity)
Manitoba, a Provinces within Canada (Christianity)
Newfoundland and Labrador, a Province of Canada (Christianity)
Victoria, a State within Australia (Christianity)
Tasmania, a State within Australia (Christianity)
Western Australia, a State within Australia (Christianity)
Transnistria, a breakaway territory in Moldova (Christian)
Maryland, a State within the United States (Christianity)
New Mexico, a State within the United States (Traditional)
Rhode Island, a State within the United States (Christianity)
Mississippi, a State within the United States (Christianity)
Alabama, a State within the United States (Christianity)
Florida, a State within the United States (Christianity)
Texas, a State within the United States (Christianity)
Oklahoma, a State within the United States (Traditional)
Nunavut, a terrority within Canada (Traditional)
Moscow, a City in Russia (Christianity)
Saint Petersburg, a City in Russia (Christianity)
Altai Republic, a federal subject of Russia (Christian)
Chuvashia ,a federal subject of Russia (Christianity)
Mari El, a federal subject of Russia (Christianity)
Mordovia, a federal subject of Russia (Christianity)
Udmurtia, a federal subject of Russia (Christianity)
Bashkortostan, a federal subject of Russia (Islam)
Chechnya, a federal subject of Russia (Islam)
Dagestan, a federal subject of Russia (Islam)
Ingushetia, a federal subject of Russia (Islam)
Adygea, a federal subbect of Russia (Islam)
Kabardino-Balkaria, a federal subject of Russia (Islam)
Karachay-Cherkessia, a federal subject of Russia (Islam)
Tatarstan, a federal subject of Russia (Islam)
Buryatia, a federal subject of Russia (Buddhism)
Kalmykia, a federal subject of Russia (Buddhism)
Tuva, a federal subject of Russia (Buddhism)
Flags of Former/historical countries
Ottoman Empire (Islam)
Kingdom of Egypt (Islam -the crescent and one star - and Christianity and judaism - the other two stars)
Holy Roman Empire War flag (Christianity)
Byzantine Empire (Christianity)
Republic of Venice (Christianity)
Île-de-France (Christianity)
Libya (Islam)
Austria-Hungary (Christianity)
Qing Dynasty (Confucianism)
Kingdom of Hungary (Christianity)
Kingdom of Greece (Christianity)
Kingdom of Italy (Christianity)
German Empire (War Flag) (Christianity)
Former/historical states and territories
South Vietnam (Daoism)
New France (Christianity) Colony of France
British India (Christianity) Colony of the United Kingdom
South Africa (Christianity) Colony of the United Kingdom
Canada: (Christianity) Dominion of the United Kingdom
Newfoundland (Christianity) Dominion of the United Kingdom
South Africa: (Christianity) Dominion of the United Kingdom
National Anthems which incorporate religion
- Chad
La Tchadienne (Islam) - Comoros Udzima wa ya Masiwa (Islam)
- Afghanistan Milli Tharana (Afgan National Anthem) (Islam)
- Antigua and Barbuda
Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee (Christianity) - Brunei Allah Peliharakan Sultan (God Bless the Sultan) (Islam)
- Canada
O Canada (Christianity) - The Bahamas
March On, Bahamaland (Christianity) - Italy
Il Canto degli Italiani (Christianity) - Bahrain Bahrainona (Islam)
- Paraguay
Paraguayos, República o Muerte (Christianity) - Samoa
The Banner of Freedom (Christian) - Belize
Land of the Free (Christian) - Lebanon
Lebanese National Anthem (Christian/Islam) - United Arab Emirates
Ishy Bilady (Long Live my Nation) (Islam) - Chile
Himno Nacional de Chile (Christian) - Liechtenstein
Oben am jungen Rhein (Up above the young Rhine) (Christian) - Botswana Fatshe leno la rona (Blessed Be This Noble Land) (Christianity)
- Georgia
Tavisupleba (Freedom) (Christianity) - Albania
Himni i Flamurit (Anthem of the Flag) (unspecified) - Burundi
Burundi Bwacu (Our Burundi) (Christian) - Kenya Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu (Oh God of All Creation) (Christianity)
- Israel Hatikvah (Hatikvah) (Judaism)
- Cambodia "Nokoreach" ("Royal Kingdom") (Buddhism)
- Romania
Awaken, Romanian! (Christianity) - Colombia
National Anthem of Colombia (Christianity) - Dominica
Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendour (Christianity) - Fiji
God Bless Fiji (Christianity) - Ghana
God Bless Our Homeland Ghana (Christianity) - Hungary
Isten, áldd meg a magyart (God, bless the Hungarian) (Christianity) - Iceland
Lofsöngur (Hymn) (Christianity) - Japan Kimigayo (Shintoism/Buddhism)
- South Korea Aegukga (Christianity)
- Libya Libya, Libya, Libya (Islam)
- Malta
L-Innu Malti (Christianity) - New Zealand
God Defend New Zealand and God Save the Queen (Christianity) - Netherlands
Wilhelmus (most of the verses contain a link to religion and the 6th verse is entirely devoted to God) (Christianity) - Norway
Ja, vi elsker dette landet (Christianity) - Pakistan Qaumī Tarāna (National Anthem) (Islam)
- Russia
National Anthem of Russia (Christianity) - Saudi Arabia Aash Al Maleek (Long Live the King) (Islam)
- Barbados In Plenty and In Time of Need (Christian)
- Serbia
Bože pravde (Боже Правде; God of Justice) (Christianity) - Solomon Islands
God Save Our Solomon Islands (Christianity) - South Sudan
South Sudan Oyee! (Christianity) - Suriname
God zij met ons Suriname (Christianity) - Tanzania
Mungu ibariki Afrika (Christianity/Islam) - Turkey İstiklâl Marşı (Independence March) (Islam)
- United Kingdom
God Save the Queen (Christianity) - United States
Star Spangled Banner (fourth verse) (Christianity) - Vatican City
Inno e Marcia Pontificale (Hymn and Pontifical March) (Christianity)
Old anthems
Confederate States of America: God Save the South (Christianity)
Russian Empire: God Save The Tsar! (Christianity)
Rhodesia: Rise O Voices of Rhodesia (Christianity)
Manchukuo (1934–1945): National Anthem of Manchukuo (Shinto/Buddhism)- Austria-Hungary (1797–1918): Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser (Christianity)
Ethiopia: Ethiopia be happy, thanks to God's strength and your Emperor's wise rule (Christianity)- Union of South Africa: Die Stem van Suid-Afrika (Christianity)
Orange Free State: Volkslied van de Oranje Vrijstaat (Christianity)- Newfoundland Ode to Newfoundland (Christianity)
Iran under the Pahlavi dynasty: (Imperial Salute of Iran) (Islam)- Qing Dynasty: Cup of Solid Gold (Confucianism/Taoism)
- Kingdom of Romania: Trăiască Regele (Kingdom of Romania) (Christianity)
- "Es Salaam el gamhoury el masry" Kingdom of Egypt (Islam)
National mottos
Dominican Republic: God, Country, Liberty (Christianity)- United States: In God We Trust (Christianity)
- Canada: A mari usque ad mare "He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth." Psalm 72:8, (Christianity)
- Brunei: الدائمون المحسنون بالهدى (Always in service with God's guidance) (Islam)
- Pakistan: "Unity, Discipline and Faith" (Islam)
Poland: God, Honor, Fatherland (unofficial) (Christianity)- United Arab Emirates: Allah, Nation, President (Islam)
- United Kingdom: Dieu et mon Droit (God and my right) (Christian)
Nigeria: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress (Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress) (Islam/Christian)
Philippines: Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa (For God, People, Nature, and Country) (Christian)
National mottos of Former/historical states and territories
Kingdom of Montenegro: (cross, home, freedom) (Christianity)
German Empire: Gott mit uns (God is with us) (Christian)- Confederate States of America: Under God, Our Vindicator God Save the South (Christianity)
- Kingdom of Romania: Nihil Sine Deo (Nothing without God) (Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen family motto) (Christian)
- Russian Empire: С нами Бог (God is with us) (Christian)
National Mottos of Sub-state entities or claimed states
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Seek ye first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) - Newfoundland and Labrador a Province within Canada (Christian)
- Scotland: In My Defens God Me Defend - Scotland, within the United Kingdom
References
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