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coeychewcd · 5 years

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“Symbols of Nations and Nationalism: Celebrating Nationhood” - Gabriella Elgenius

Each country has their national flag to embody their country and it has become an object to define the identity of the nationality and the country itself for generations. The article “Symbols of Nations and Nationalism: Celebrating Nationhood” by Gabriella Elgenius provide an observation and research on a real perspective on the formation of nations and national identities from national flags. Gabriella Elgenius is an Associate Professor in Sociology (Docent/Reader) at the Department of Sociology and work science at Gothenburg University. She is also an Associate member at the Department of Sociology in University of Oxford. Elgenius has successfully published several articles that related to nationalism and identity which also include with this article.

Gabriella Elgenius begins her article by stating that flags have become important political symbols, as most believes that a flag has a strong connection of relationship to the nation. She also explains that national flags have also been used as an object to threaten and warn strangers of membership boundaries.

Figure 1: USA flag (Source: https://www.countryflags.com/en/united-states-flag-clipart.html)

The article also clarifies that the flags have becoming far more than just a piece of cloth for nations, states and people. National flags itself have developed to define itself through a deep consideration on the use of symbols and elements to represent nations. Flags have been used in reflecting the whole background, culture, identity, and personalities. Thus, the design of the national flags is capable to lead powerful emotions and creating group actions. I agree that flags are not only representing the country or us. It is also being a part of expressing feelings such as showing loyalty and respect.

The author describes that graphic symbols such as colors, design and elements plays an important role in designing flags, as it will become an identity of a nation or an organization. She has carry out “Red Flag” as an existing example showing that it is a dominant political symbol in the age of mass-politics. Red Flag has a numerous versions throughout the time by changing the design and graphic symbols so that it can become to a potential symbol of a nation. I believe that graphic symbols are very important in designing flags. This is because each graphic symbol contains with its meaning and it will also be a significant instrument to show identity and for people to remember. Furthermore, I also think that colors are important in design a national flags, too.

Figure 2: Australia flag (Source:https://flaglane.com/download/australian-flag/)

Figure 3: Taiwan flag: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_Republic_of_China

Elgenius highlights that the usage of flags with a relationship with the nation is protected as these flags will be taken as a religion and the flag itself will be its chief symbol. National flags have been used as a sacred object towards important and respectful individual especially regarding to people who sacrificed for the country. As one of the nation, it is truly an honor to sacrifice and does something good to improve the country. On the other hand, Gabriella Elgenius explores that creating flags have its structure such as their association, relationships, designs, configuration and construction as the formation and combination of the flag’s elements is significant for people to understand and being recognizable by worldwide. Thus, each flag design depends on flag type, as graphic symbols are an influential element that capable to define identity, nation, tradition and culture.

Figure 5: People’s Justice Party flag - Malaysia (Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Justice_Party_(Malaysia))

Figure 6: Labour flag - United Kingdom (Source: https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/labour-pledges-develop-social-economy-charitable-delivery-childrens-services/policy-and-politics/article/1342448)

In today’s generation, flags are still the important material in representing nation, organization and community. I also believe that institution today also holds a strong history, tradition and culture in creating graphic symbols on the flag. I think University of Cambridge is a very good example in presenting on this topic, as I trust that the university has their designed flag to embody their institution.

Figure 7: University of Cambridge flag (Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/butterfly2107/3462869657)

Figure 8: University of Cambridge flag (Source: https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb_cambu.html)

University of Cambridge is based in the United Kingdom. The design of the flags is a banner of arms, displayed as “ Gules, a cross ermine between four lions passant gardant or, and on the cross a closed book fessway glues, clasped and garnished or, the clasps downward” (Raeside, Rob, 2016) and the design was approved in 1937. The institution used arms as the symbol because Robert Cooke, Clarencieux King of Arms in Letter Parent granted to the institution on 9 June 1573.

Likewise, Harvard University also very quite similar to University of Cambridge. Both of the institutions holds a strong history before it existed.

Figure 9: Harvard University flag (Source: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harvard-University-Crimson-Flag-Large-3x5-/221532671567)

Harvard University is based in the United States and was founded in 1636. The institution produced flag printed with its logo and generally sells it as merchandise or souvenir. President Josiah Quincy found the first sketch of the college arms – a shield with Latin motto “ VERITAS” in 1836. It means verity or truth. Harvard’s main color is Crimson. The color was used because of a pair of rowers provided crimson scarves to their teammates so that audiences could differentiate Harvard’s team during a regatta in 1858. The color also chosen by vote, too.

Question:

1. Is it important that we need to choose graphic symbols wisely before applying on the flag?

2. Why flags become the material for people to use as a representative and not using other materials to embody them?

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