Symbols of nations and nationalism : celebrating nationhood

Providing an original perspective on the construction of nations and national identities, this book examines national symbols and ceremonies, arguing that, far from being just superficial or decorative, they are in fact an integral part of nation building, maintenance and change. Symbols of Nations and Nationalism explores the significance of national symbols and ceremonies in the building of nations. Nations come into being by stages, marked by the adoption of national symbols and ceremonies that reflect significant events. Nation-building can therefore be traced alongside the process of adopting, introducing, altering, abolishing and re-establishing flags, anthems and national days. This book identifies distinct symbolic regimes founded on 'pre-modern', 'modern' and 'post-imperial' narratives that, in turn, are linked to specific flag and national day designs. National symbolism usually embellishes the past as it justifies nations and states in the present. However, divisive historical and territorial claims have recently given rise to post-historical or counter-nationalist narratives that avoid reference to the past altogether. National flags and national days are especially central images of nationhood and used to represent, justify, control and glorify nations. The use of flags and participation in ceremonies help symbolize commonality and the imagined oneness of nations but such notions can also become highly divisive. National ceremonies and national day design have therefore become of great importance for nation builders and policy makers in multi-national and multi-ethnic states. -- Publisher description Front Matter ....Pages i-xiii Introduction (Gabriella Elgenius)....Pages 1-11 National Symbols and Ceremonies: The Construction and Authentication of Boundaries (Gabriella Elgenius)....Pages 12-26 National Flag Origins: Religion, Revolution and Rivalry (Gabriella Elgenius)....Pages 27-56 National Flags, the Politicization and Sanctification of Nations (Gabriella Elgenius)....Pages 57-93 National Days in Nation Building: Similarities and Differences (Gabriella Elgenius)....Pages 94-132 National Day Design: Towards a Typology of Successful National Days (Gabriella Elgenius)....Pages 133-185 The Symbolic Regimes and Nation Building (Gabriella Elgenius)....Pages 186-200 Back Matter ....Pages 201-232 The Symbolic Construction And Authentication Of Boundaries -- National Flags : Religion, Revolution And Rivalry -- National Flags And The Flagging Of Nations -- National Days, Celebrations And Commemorations -- National Day Design : Towards A Typology Of Successful National Days -- Symbolic Regimes And Nation-building. Gabriella Elgenius. Includes Index.