The true symbol of the nation

A national symbol is a symbol of any entity considering itself and manifesting itself to the world as a national community: the sovereign states but also nations and countries in a state of colonial or other dependence, (con)federal integration, or even an ethnocultural community considered a 'nationality' despite having no political autonomy.

National symbols intend to unite people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of the national people, values, goals, or history.

Officially, it is recognized the the recognized as symbols of a nation are

·        The flag or banner of a nation-state

·        The coat of arms of the land or ruling dynasty

·        The seal or stamp of the land or ruling dynasty

·        The head of state (mostly, in authoritarian states)

·        Abstract symbols

·        National anthems, royal and imperial hymns; alongside such official hymns custom may also recognize the national symbol value of very popular songs.

But many has forgotten that mere objects cannot truly symbolize a nation. It is wrong to imprison people who burn or disfigure an object officially recognized as national symbol. For example, people who burn the flag in protest must not be criminalized. Or people criticizing head of the state or of a regime for the same reason, cannot be be criminalized.

We must bear in mind that the true symbol of a nation is the sovereign people that comprise the nation. A flag or coat of arms are just objects which unlike people cannot feel or think and therefore, are inept matters.

It is the sovereign people who institute and constitute a nation, not objects. It is the people who have the right to choose a leader to serve them, therefore, a leader cannot symbolize a nation.

The state of the nation is the state of the people, not of a few privileged group.

The true symbol of the nation is the sovereign people.

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