Religion:Religion in national symbols

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Short description: National symbols which depict a religious element


Religion in national symbols can often be found in national anthems or flags. This has led to controversy in some secular states in regard to the separation of church and state, when the national symbol is officially sanctioned by a government.[1]

Flags which incorporate symbols of religion

Dharmic religions

Buddhism
Flag Country Religious significance
Bhutan (flag) The orange half signifies Vajrayana Buddhist spiritual tradition[2]
Cambodia (flag) Angkor Wat,[3] a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex.
Myanmar (flag) The color saffron stands for Theravada Buddhism.
Singapore (flag) The white half symbolizes Chinese Buddhism.
Sri Lanka (flag) The four Bodhi tree leaves symbolize four Buddhist metaphysical[4]
Thailand (flag) The color white stands for Theravada Buddhism.[5]
Buddhism and Hinduism
Flag Country Religious significance
Nepal (flag) Based on the Hindu traditional flags. Also represent Hinduism and Buddhism[6]
Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism
Flag Country Religious significance
India (flag) The Ashoka Chakra symbolize a Dharmachakra, a concept originating in the Vedic tradition, used in all Dharmic religions including: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism[7][8][9][10].

Christianity

Flag Country Religious significance
Armenia Armenia (flag) The red third emblematizes the maintenance of the Christian faith (particularly Oriental Orthodox and Oriental Catholic denominations).[11]
Andorra Andorra (flag) The coat of arms of Andorra contains a bishop's mitre, representing the Latin Catholic bishop of Urgell.[12]
Australia Australia (flag) Crosses of Saint George, Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick symbolise Western Christianity (red may also symbolise the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed during his crucifixion)[13]
Burundi Burundi (flag) Saint Andrew's Cross
Cook Islands Cook Islands (flag) Crosses of Saint George, Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick symbolise Western Christianity (red may also symbolise the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed during his crucifixion)
Denmark Denmark (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[14]
Dominica Dominica (flag) The cross represents the Trinity[15]
Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (flag) Saint George's Cross, Gospel of John, the color white stands for salvation[16]
El Salvador El Salvador (flag) Dios, Unión, Libertad (God, Union, Liberty)
Fiji Fiji (flag) Crosses of Saint George, Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick symbolise Western Christianity (red may also symbolise the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed during his crucifixion) and dove
Finland Finland (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[14]
Georgia (country) Georgia (flag) Saint George's Cross and four Bolnisi crosses symbolize Georgian Orthodoxy[17]
Greece Greece (flag) Greek cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy[18]
Hungary Hungary (flag) The red symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ, and the white symbolizes the salvation, while the green symbolizes Catholic Christianity (particularly the Latin and Eastern Catholic churches).
Iceland Iceland (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[14]
Republic of Ireland Ireland (flag) The green signifies the Roman Catholic majority, and the orange signifies the Protestant minority, while the white signifies the peace between Catholics and Protestants.[19]
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein (flag) Christian cross[20]
Malta Malta (flag) George Cross[20]
Moldova Moldova (flag) Orthodox Cross[21]
Montenegro Montenegro (flag) Three crosses on the coat of arms symbolize Montenegrin Orthodoxy[20]
Montserrat Montserrat (flag) Crosses of Saint George, Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick symbolise Western Christianity (red may also symbolise the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed during his crucifixion). The flag also consists of an Irish figure Erin holding a Latin cross.
New Zealand New Zealand (flag) Crosses of Saint George, Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick symbolise Western Christianity (red may also symbolise the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed during his crucifixion)[20]
Niue Niue (flag) Crosses of Saint George, Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick symbolise Western Christianity (red may also symbolise the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed during his crucifixion)
Norway Norway (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[14]
Portugal Portugal (flag) Compound cross of five quinas, each one charged with five saltire-arranged bezants, representing both the Five Holy Wounds and also Jesus Christ and the Four Evangelists[22]
San Marino San Marino (flag) Christian cross[20]
Serbia Serbia (flag) Serbian cross symbolizes Serbian Orthodoxy[21]
Slovakia Slovakia (flag) Patriarchal cross[23]
Spain Spain (flag) Latin cross[20]
Sweden Sweden (flag) Nordic Cross Flag[14]
Switzerland Switzerland (flag) Greek cross[24]
Tonga Tonga (flag) Greek cross (red may also symbolise the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed during his crucifixion)[25]
Tuvalu Tuvalu (flag) Crosses of Saint George, Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick symbolise Western Christianity (red may also symbolise the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed during his crucifixion)
United Kingdom United Kingdom (flag) Crosses of Saint George, Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick symbolise Western Christianity (red may also symbolise the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed during his crucifixion)[26]
Vatican City Vatican City (flag) The flag consists of two vertical bands, one of gold (hoist side) and one of white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the Papal Tiara centered in the white band

Islam

Flag Country Religious significance
Afghanistan Afghanistan (flag) Shahada[27]
Algeria Algeria (flag) Star and crescent, green half symbolizes Islam[28]
Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (flag) Green stands for Islam, the crescent moon is also an Islamic symbol[29]
Bahrain Bahrain (flag) Five triangles represent the Five Pillars of Islam[30]
Brunei Brunei (flag) Crescent moon[31]
Comoros Comoros (flag) Star and crescent and green color are traditional symbols of Islam[32]
Iran Iran (flag) The five parts of the emblem represent the Five Pillars of Islam, this shape of the emblem is a stylized form of the Arabic word "Allah" (ٱللَّٰهُ); text along the red and green bands reads "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Great")[33]
Iraq Iraq (flag) The phrase "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Great")[34]
Jordan Jordan (flag) The seven-pointed star represents the seven verses of the Quran's first sura[35]
Libya Libya (flag) Star and crescent represent Islam[36]
Malaysia Malaysia (flag) Crescent moon[37]
Maldives Maldives (flag) White crescent moon symbolizes Islam[38]
Mauritania Mauritania (flag) Star and crescent and green color symbolize Islam[39]
Morocco Morocco (flag) The green represents Islam. The pentagram's five points symbolize the five Pillars of Islam.[40]
Niger Niger (flag) The green symbolizes Islam.
Pakistan Pakistan (flag) Star and crescent symbolize Islam and the dark green field symbolizes the Muslim majority of Pakistan.[41]
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (flag) Shahada (Muslim creed) on green background, a color represents Islam[42]
Senegal Senegal (flag) The green stripe and star represent Islam.[43][44]
Somaliland Somaliland (flag) Shahada (green may also represent Islam)
Sudan Sudan (flag) Green represents Islam.[45]
Tunisia Tunisia (flag) Star and crescent symbolize Islam
Turkey Turkey (flag) Star and crescent
Turkmenistan Turkmenistan (flag) Crescent moon (green may also represent Islam)
Uzbekistan Uzbekistan (flag) Crescent moon (green may also represent Islam), the word "Allah" ("God") from 12 stars
Yemen Yemen (flag) The red symbolizes the Hashemites, and the white symbolizes the Umayyads, while the black symbolizes the Abbasids

Judaism

Flag Country Religious significance
Israel Israel (flag) The flag's basic design is based on a Jewish prayer shawl, the Star of David is a symbol of Judaism[46]

Traditional

Flag Country Religious significance
Argentina Argentina (flag) Sun of May's features are that of the Incan god Inti[47]
Japan Japan (flag) Red circle represents the sun goddess Amaterasu
South Korea South Korea (flag) Taegeuk symbol is associated with Taoism and traditional Korean Shamanism; I Ching trigrams.
Mexico Mexico (flag) Coat of arms of Mexico is symbolic of the Aztec legend of Tenochtitlan, modern-day Mexico City[48]
Mongolia Mongolia (flag) Yin and Yang symbol is associated with Taoism and traditional Mongolian shamanism. The Sun, Moon and blue colour represent the eternal blue sky
Taiwan Taiwan (flag) The twelve rays of the white sun symbolize the twelve months and the twelve traditional shichen (時辰; shíchén), periods of one-twelfth of a day used in Traditional Chinese timekeeping and astrology
Tajikistan Tajikistan (flag) The seven stars representing number seven in Tajik traditional legends, representing perfection and happiness while alluding to a traditional belief that the heavens feature seven mountains and seven orchard gardens with a star shining above each mountain.
Uruguay Uruguay (flag) Sun of May's features are that of the Incan god Inti[49]

National anthems which incorporate religion

National anthems which incorporate religion
Country National anthem Religion(s) mentioned
File:Flag of Afghanistan.svg Afghanistan "Dā də bātorāno kor" (English: "This is the Home of the Brave") Islam
 Albania "Himni i Flamurit" (English: "Hymn to the Flag") Islam and Christianity
 Antigua and Barbuda "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" Christianity
 Austria "Land der Berge, Land am Strome" (English: "Land of the Mountains, Land on the River") Christianity
 Azerbaijan "Azərbaycan marşı" (English: "March of Azerbaijan") Islam
 Bahamas "March On, Bahamaland" Christianity
 Bahrain "Bahrainona" (English: "Our Bahrain") Islam
 Barbados "In Plenty and In Time of Need" Christianity
 Belarus "My Belarusy" (English: "We Belarusians") Christianity
 Belize "Land of the Free" Christianity
 Bhutan "Druk tsendhen" (English: "The Thunder Dragon Kingdom") Buddhism
 Bolivia "Himno Nacional de Bolivia" (English: "National Anthem of Bolivia") Christianity
 Botswana "Fatshe leno la Rona" (English: "Blessed Be This Noble Land") Christianity
 Brunei "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" (English: "God Bless the Sultan") Islam
 Burundi "Burundi Bwacu" (English: "Our Burundi") Christianity
 Cambodia "Nokoreach" (English: "Royal Kingdom") Buddhism
 Cameroon "Chant de Ralliement" (French: "The Rallying Song") Christianity
 Canada "Ô Canada" (English: "O Canada") Christianity
 Chad "La Tchadienne" (English: "Song of the Chadian") Islam
 Chile "Himno Nacional de Chile" (English: "National Anthem of Chile") Christianity
 Colombia "Himno Nacional de la República de Colombia" (English: "National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia") Christianity
 Comoros "Udzima wa ya Masiwa" (English: "The Union of the Great Islands") Islam
 Czech Republic "Kde Domov Můj?" (English: "Where is my Home?") Christianity
 Denmark "Der er et Yndigt Land" (English: "There is a Lovely Country") Traditional
 Djibouti "La Djiboutienne" (English: "The Djiboutian Song") Islam
 Dominica "Isle of Beauty, Isle of Splendour" Christianity
 Democratic Republic of the Congo "Debout Congolais" (English: "Arise Congolese") Christianity
 Ecuador "Salve, Oh Patria" (English: "We Salute You, Our Homeland") Christianity
 El Salvador "Himno Nacional de El Salvador" (English: "National Anthem of El Salvador") Christianity
 Estonia "Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm" (English: "My Fatherland, My Happiness and Joy") Christianity
 Eswatini "Nkulunkulu Mnikati wetibusiso temaSwati" (English: "O Lord is our God, Swaziland") Christianity
 Fiji "God Bless Fiji" Christianity and Hinduism
 France "La Marseillaise" (English: "The Song from Marseille") Christianity
 Gambia "For The Gambia Our Homeland" Islam
 Ghana "God Bless Our Homeland Ghana" Christianity
 Georgia "Tavisupleba" (English: "Freedom") Christianity
 Grenada "Hail Grenada" Christianity
 Guatemala "Himno Nacional de Guatemala" (English: "National Anthem of Guatemala") Christianity
 Guyana "Dear Land of Guyana, of Rivers and Plains" Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism
 Haiti "La Dessalinienne" (English: "The Dessalines Song")[lower-alpha 1] Christianity
 Honduras "Himno Nacional de Honduras" (English: "National Anthem of Honduras") Christianity
 Hungary "Himnusz" (English: "Anthem") Christianity
 Iceland "Lofsöngur" (English: "Hymn") Christianity and traditional
 India "Jana Gana Mana" (English: "The Minds of All People") Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Baháʼí, Zoroastrianism and traditional
 Indonesia "Indonesia Raya" (English: "Great Indonesia") Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism
 Iran "Sorud-e Melli-e Iran" (English: "National Anthem of Iran") Islam
 Israel "Hatikvah" (English: "The Hope") Judaism
 Italy "Il Canto degli Italiani" (English: "The Song of the Italians") Christianity
 Ivory Coast "L'Abidjanaise" (English: "Song of Abidjan") Christianity and Islam
 Jamaica "Jamaica, Land We Love" Christianity
 Japan "Kimigayo" (English: "His Majesty's Reign") Agnosticism, Atheism, Buddhism and Shintoism
 Jordan "As-Salam al-Malaki al-Urduni" (English: "Peace to the King of Jordan") Islam
 Kenya "Ee Mungu Nguvu Yetu" (English: "Oh God of All Creation") Christianity
 Kiribati "Teirake Kaini Kiribati" (English: "Stand Up, Kiribati") Christianity
 North Korea "Aegukka" (English: "Patriotic Song") Agnosticism and Atheism
 South Korea "Aegukga" (English: "Patriotic Song") Christianity, Confucianism and Buddhism
 Kosovo "Himni i Republikës së Kosovës" (English: "Anthem of the Republic of Kosovo") Islam and Christianity
 Kuwait "Al-Nasheed Al-Watani" (English: "National Anthem") Islam
 Latvia "Dievs, svētī Latviju!" (English: "God, Bless Latvia!") Christianity
 Lebanon "an-Našīd al-Waṭanī al-Lubnānī" (English: "Lebanese National Anthem") Christianity and Islam
 Lesotho "Lesotho Fatse La Bontata Rona" (English: "Lesotho, Land of our Fathers") Christianity
 Liberia "All Hail, Liberia, Hail!" Christianity
 Libya "Libya, Libya, Libya" Islam
 Liechtenstein "Oben am jungen Rhein" (English: "Up above the young Rhine") Christianity
 Luxembourg "Ons Hemecht" (English: "Our Homeland") Christianity
 Madagascar "Ry Tanindrazanay malala ô!" (English: "Oh, Our Beloved Father Land") Christianity and traditional
 Malawi "Mulungu dalitsa Malaŵi" (English: "O God bless our land of Malawi") Christianity
 Maldives "Gaumii Salaam" (English: "National Salute") Islam
 Mali "Le Mali" (English: "Mali") Islam
 Malta "L-Innu Malti" (English: "The Maltese Hymn") Christianity
 Marshall Islands "Forever Marshall Islands" Christianity
 Mauritania "Nshyd Wtny Mwrytany" (English: "National Anthem of Mauritania") Islam
 Mauritius "Motherland" Christianity and Hinduism
 Mexico "Himno Nacional Mexicano" (English: "Mexican National Anthem") Christianity and traditional
File:Flag of Federated States of Micronesia.svg F.S. Micronesia "Patriots of Micronesia" Christianity
 Monaco "Hymne Monégasque" (English: "Monégasque Anthem") Christianity
 Morocco "An-Našīd aš-Šarīf" (English: "Cherifian Anthem") Islam
 Nauru "Nauru Bwiema" (English: "Nauru, our Homeland") Christianity
   Nepal "Sayaun Thunga Phulka" (English: "We are Hundreds of Flowers") Buddhism and Hinduism
 Netherlands "Wilhelmus" (English: "William")[lower-alpha 2] Christianity
 New Zealand "God Defend New Zealand and God Save the Queen" Christianity
 Nigeria "Nigeria, We Hail Thee" Christianity and Islam
 Norway "Ja, vi Elsker dette Landet" (English: "Yes, we Love this Country") Christianity
 Oman "As-Salam as-Sultani" (English: "Song of the Sultanic Salute") Islam
 Pakistan "Qaumī Tarāna" (English: "National Anthem") Islam
 Palau "Belau Rekid" (English: "Our Palau") Christianity
 Panama "Himno Istmeño" (English: "Hymn of the Isthmus") Christianity
 Papua New Guinea "O Arise, All You Sons" Christianity
 Paraguay "Paraguayos, República o Muerte" (English: "Paraguayans, Republic or Death") Christianity
 Peru "Himno Nacional del Perú" (English: "National Anthem of Peru") Christianity
 Qatar "As Salam al Amiri" (English: "Peace to the Amir") Islam
 Rwanda "Rwanda Nziza" (English: "Beautiful Rwanda") Christianity
 Romania "Deșteaptă-te, Române!" (English: "Awaken, Romanian!") Christianity
 Russia "Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsi" (English: "State Anthem of the Russian Federation") Christianity
 Saint Kitts and Nevis "O Land of Beauty!" Christianity
 Saint Lucia "Sons and Daughters of Saint Lucia" Christianity
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines "Saint Vincent Land so Beautiful Christianity
 Samoa "O Le Fu'a o Le Sa'olotoga o Samoa" (English: "The Banner of Freedom") Christianity
 Saudi Arabia "Aash Al Maleek" (English: "Long Live the King") Islam
 Senegal "Pincez tous vos koras, frappez les balafons" (English: "Everyone strum your koras, strike the balafons") Islam
 Serbia "Bože pravde" (English: "God of Justice") Christianity
File:Flag of the Seychelles.svg Seychelles "Koste Seselwa" (English: "Join together all Seychellois") Christianity
 Sierra Leone "High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free" Christianity and Islam
 Slovakia "Nad Tatrou sa Blýska" (English: "Lightning over the Tatras") Christianity
 Slovenia "Zdravljica" (English: "A Toast") Christianity
 Solomon Islands "God Save Our Solomon Islands" Christianity
 Somalia "Qolobaa Calankeed" (English: "Praise the Homeland") Islam
 South Africa "National Anthem of South Africa" Christianity
 South Sudan "South Sudan Oyee!" Christianity
 Sri Lanka "Sri Lanka Matha" (English: "Mother Sri Lanka") Buddhism
 Sudan "Nahnu Jund Allah Jund Al-watan" (English: "We are the Soldiers of God and of our Homeland") Islam
 Suriname "God zij met ons Suriname" (English: "God be with our Suriname") Christianity
 Sweden "Du gamla, Du fria" (English: "Thou ancient, Thou free")[lower-alpha 3] Christianity
 Switzerland "Schweizerpsalm/Cantique Suisse/Salmo Svizzero/Psalm Svizzer" (English: "Swiss Psalm") Christianity
 Syria "Humat ad-Diyar" (English: "Guardians of the Homeland")[lower-alpha 4] Islam
 Taiwan "Three Principles of the People" (English: "National Anthem of Taiwan") Confucianism
 Tanzania "Mungu ibariki Afrika" (English: "God Bless Africa") Christianity and Islam
 Togo "Salut à Toi, Pays de nos Aïeux" (English: "Hail to Thee, Land of our Forefathers") Christianity
 Tonga "Ko e fasi ʻo e tuʻi ʻo e ʻOtu Tonga" (English: "The Song of the King of the Tongan Islands") Christianity
 Trinidad and Tobago "Forged from the Love of Liberty" Christianity and Hinduism
 Tunisia "Humat al-Hima" (English: "Defenders of the Homeland") Islam
 Turkey "İstiklâl Marşı" (English: "Independence March") Islam
 Tuvalu "Tuvalu mo te Atua" (English: "Tuvalu for the Almighty") Christianity
 United Arab Emirates "Ishy Bilady" (English: "Long Live my Nation") Islam
 Uganda "Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty" Christianity
 Uruguay "Himno Nacional de Uruguay" (English: "National Anthem of Uruguay") Christianity
 United Kingdom "God Save the King" Christianity
 United States "The Star-Spangled Banner"[lower-alpha 1] Christianity
 Uzbekistan "O‘zbekiston Respublikasining Davlat Madhiyasi" (English: "National Anthem of Uzbekistan") Islam
 Vanuatu "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi" (English: "We, We, We") Christianity
  Vatican City "Inno e Marcia Pontificale" (English: "Hymn and Pontifical March") Christianity
 Venezuela "Gloria al Bravo Pueblo" (English: "Glory to the Brave People") Christianity
 Yemen "Nashīd al-Yaman al-Watani" (English: "National Anthem of Yemen") Islam
 Zambia "Stand and Sing of Zambia, Proud and Free" Christianity
 Zimbabwe "National Anthem of Zimbabwe" Christianity

Former national anthems

Former national anthems which incorporated religion
Country National anthem Religion(s) mentioned
 Australia, until 1984 "God Save the Queen" Christianity
 Austria-Hungary "Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser" (English: "God Save Emperor Francis") Christianity
 Bosnia and Herzegovina, until 1998 "Jedna si jedina" (English: "You Are the One and Only") Christianity and Islam
 Canada, until 1967 "God Save the Queen" Christianity
Template:Country data Qing dynasty "Gong Jin'ou" (English: "Cup of Solid Gold") Confucianism
File:Flag of Egypt (1952-1958).svg Egypt "Es Salaam el Gamhoury el Masry" (English: "Egyptian Republican Anthem") Christianity and Islam
Error creating thumbnail:  Ethiopia "Ityopp'ya Hoy" (English: "Ethiopia, Be happy") Christianity
Template:Country data Kingdom of Hawaii "He Mele Lahui Hawaii" (English: "Song of the Hawaiian Nation") Christianity
Template:Country data Pahlavi dynasty "Sorude Melli" (English: "National Anthem") Christianity, Islam and Zoroastrianism
File:Flag of Iraq (1991-2004).svg Iraq, until 2003 "Ardh ul-Furatayn" (English: "Land of the Euphrates") Islam
Template:Country data Korean Empire "Daehan Jeguk Aegukga" (English: "Patriotic Hymn of the Great Korean Empire") Christianity, Confucianism and Buddhism
File:Flag of Laos (1952-1975).svg Laos "Pheng Xat Lao" (English: "Hymn of the Lao People") Buddhism
Template:Country data Libyan Arab Jamahiriya "Allahu Akbar" (English: "God is Greatest") Islam
 Manchukuo "Mǎnzhōuguó jiàn guógē" (English: "Manchukuo Independence Song") Buddhism and Shinto
File:Kingdom of Montenegro Flag 1905-1918.png Montenegro "Ubavoj nam Crnoj Gori" (English: "To Our Beautiful Montenegro") Christianity
File:Wa-lgflag.jpg Namibia, until 1991 "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (English: "Lord Bless Africa") Christianity
File:Flag of the Netherlands Antilles.svg Netherlands Antilles Untitled Christianity
 Netherlands, until 1932 "Wien Neêrlands Bloed" (English: "Those in whom Dutch blood") Christianity
 Newfoundland "Ode to Newfoundland" Christianity
 Nigeria, until 2024 "Arise, O Compatriots" Christianity and Islam
Template:Country data Orange Free State "Volkslied van de Oranje Vrijstaat" (English: "National Anthem of the Orange Free State") Christianity
Template:Country data Kingdom of Portugal "Hino da Carta" (English: "Hymn to the Charter") Christianity
 Rhodesia "Rise O Voices of Rhodesia" Christianity
 Romania "Trăiască Regele" (English: "Long Live the King") Christianity
File:Flag of Russia (1914–1917).svg Russia "God Save The Tsar!" Christianity
File:Flag of First Slovak Republic 1939-1945.svg Slovakia "Hej, Slováci" (English: "Hey, Slovaks") Christianity
File:Flag of South Africa (1928-1994).svg South Africa "Die Stem van Suid-Afrika" (English: "The Call of South Africa")[lower-alpha 1] Christianity
File:Flag of South Africa (1928-1994).svg South Africa, until 1957 "God bewaar ons Koningin" Christianity
 South Africa, until 1997 "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (English: "Lord Bless Africa") Christianity
 Switzerland, until 1961 "Rufst du, mein Vaterland" (English: "When you call, my Fatherland")[lower-alpha 5] Christianity
Tibet "Gyallu" Buddhism
Template:Country data Transvaal "Volkslied van Transvaal" (English: "National Anthem of the Transvaal")[lower-alpha 6] Christianity
Template:Country data Two Sicilies "Inno al Re" (English: "Hymn to the King") Christianity
Template:Country data Upper Volta "Hymne National Voltaïque" (English: "Voltan National Anthem") Christianity and Islam
File:Flag of Yugoslavia (1918–1943).svg Yugoslavia "Himna Kraljevine Jugoslavije" (English: "Hymn of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia) Christianity
 Zambia, until 1973 "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" (English: "Lord Bless Africa") Christianity
 Zimbabwe, until 1994 "Ishe Komborera Africa" (English: "God Bless Africa") Christianity

Coat of arms which symbolize religion

Dharmic religions

Buddhism
Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
25px Bhutan (emblem) Druk, Lotus, Vajra
25px Cambodia (coat of arms) Om
25px Laos (emblem) Pha That Luang
25px Mongolia (emblem) Dharmachakra, Ratnatraya, Wind Horse
25px Myanmar (state seal) Chinthe
25px Sri Lanka (emblem) Dharmachakra, Lotus
Hinduism
Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
25x25px Nepal (emblem) Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi
Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism
Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
25px India (emblem) The State Emblem of India[50], based on the Lion Capital of Ashoka from Sarnath[51], symbolize a stambha, a concept originating in the Vedic tradition, used in all Dharmic religions including : Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The lion capital of Ashoka represent also Buddha who is spiritual teacher for buddhists or Vishnu's avatar for hindus

Satyameva Jayate

25px Indonesia (coat of arms) Garuda
25px Thailand (emblem) Garuda

Christianity

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
25px Andorra (coat of arms) Includes a bishop's mitre, representing the Latin Catholic bishop of Urgell.
25px Armenia (coat of arms) Mount Ararat with Noah's Ark sitting atop it (the two crosses may also represent Oriental Orthodoxy).
25px Australia (coat of arms) St George's Cross, Maltese cross
25px Belgium (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
25px Bulgaria (coat of arms) The crosses on the four crowns symbolize Bulgarian Orthodoxy
34x34px Canada (coat of arms) Cross, A Mari Usque Ad Mare ('From Sea to Sea')
25px Cyprus (coat of arms) Dove
25px Denmark (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority; royal arms also has cross
25px Dominica (coat of arms) Cross, Apres Bondie C'est La Ter ('After God the Earth')
25px Dominican Republic (coat of arms) Latin cross, Gospel of John, Dios, Patria, Libertad ('God, Fatherland, Liberty')
25px El Salvador (coat of arms) Dios, Unión, Libertad (God, Union, Liberty)
25px Fiji (coat of arms) Cross, Rerevaka na kalou ka doka na Tui ('Fear God and honour the Queen'), dove
25px Georgia (coat of arms) St. George slaying the dragon, Bolnisi cross, globus cruciger
25px Grenada (coat of arms) Cross, 'Ever Conscious of God we Aspire, Build and Advance as One People'
25px Greece (coat of arms) Greek cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy
25px Hungary (coat of arms) Patriarchal cross; cross and six Christian icons on the distinctive Crown of Saint Stephen
25px Iceland (coat of arms) Nordic cross
25px Jamaica (coat of arms) Saint George's cross
25px Liechtenstein (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
25px Lithuania (coat of arms) Patriarchal cross
25x25px Luxembourg (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
25px Malta (coat of arms) George Cross
25px Moldova (coat of arms) Cross symbolizes Moldovan Orthodoxy
25px Monaco (coat of arms) Cross, Deo Juvante ('With God's Help')
25px Montenegro (coat of arms) Three crosses on the coat of arms symbolize Montenegrin Orthodoxy
25px Nauru (coat of arms) 'God's Will First'
25px Netherlands (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
25px New Zealand (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
25px Nigeria (coat of arms) 'Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress'
25px Norway (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority.

The Danish axe is a battle weapon from Middle Ages that represents St. Olaf, and thus the conversion of Norway to Christianity.

25px Portugal (coat of arms) Compound cross of five quinas, each one charged with five saltire-arranged bezants
25px Romania (coat of arms) Three crosses on the coat of arms symbolize Romanian Orthodoxy
25px Russia (coat of arms) St. George slaying the Dragon (the four crosses may also represent Russian Orthodoxy)
25px Samoa (coat of arms) Faavae i Le Atua Samoa ('Samoa is founded on God'), cross
25px San Marino (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
25px Serbia (coat of arms) Serbian cross and other two crosses symbolize Serbian Orthodoxy
25px Slovakia (coat of arms) Patriarchal cross
25px Spain (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
25px Sweden (coat of arms) Protestant cross, a globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
25px Switzerland (coat of arms) Greek cross
25px Tonga (coat of arms) Cross, dove, Ko e ʻOtua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofiʻa ('God and Tonga are my inheritance')
25px Tuvalu (coat of arms) Tuvalu Mo Te Atua ('Tuvalu for the Almighty')
25px Uganda (coat of arms) For God and My Country
25px United Kingdom (coat of arms) globus crucigers, 'Dieu et mon droit' ('God and my right'), and on Scottish version, 'In My Defens God Me Defend' (shortened to 'In Defens')
25px United States (seal reverse) Eye of Providence
25px Vatican City (coat of arms) The crossed keys of St. Peter and the Papal Tiara
25px Vanuatu (coat of arms) 'Long God yumi stanap' ('In God we stand')

Former

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
25px Austria-Hungary (coat of arms) Globus crucigers, patriarchal cross
25px Belarus (coat of arms) Pahonia with a double cross
25px Ethiopian Empire (coat of arms) Cross, globus cruciger, Lion of Judah, St. Michael, Gabriel, ኢትዮጵያ ታበፅዕ እደዊሃ ሃበ እግዚአብሐር ('Ethiopia Stretches Her Hands unto God'), ማዓ አንበሳ ዘአማነባደ ይሁዳ ('Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah')
25px Georgia (coat of arms) St. George
25px German Empire (coat of arms) A globus cruciger on top of the coat of arms as a Christian symbol of authority
25px Kingdom of Italy (coat of arms) Cross, globus cruciger
25px Russian Empire (coat of arms) Cross, St. George, St. Michael, Gabriel, 'Съ нами Богъ!' ('God is with us!')
25px Kingdom of Yugoslavia (coat of arms) Globus cruciger, Serbian cross

Islam

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
Emblem of Afghanistan
Emblem of Afghanistan
 Afghanistan (coat of arms) Shahadah, mosque, mehrab, Prayer rug
25px Algeria (coat of arms) Star and crescent
25px Azerbaijan (coat of arms) Calligraphic representation of the name Allah in the form of an eternal flame, green
25px Bahrain (coat of arms) Five points represent the five pillars of Islam
25px Brunei (coat of arms) Crescent moon, الدائمون المحسنون بالهدى (Always in service with God's guidance)
25px Comoros (Seal) Star and crescent
25px Guinea (coat of arms) Dove, green represents Islam
25px Iran (coat of arms) Arabic word "Allah" (ٱللَّٰهُ)
25px Iraq (coat of arms) الله أكبر (God is Great)
25px Jordan (coat of arms) Its colours of the eagle signifies the banner of Muhammad, the globe signifies the emergence of Islamic civilisation, الراجي من الله التوفيق والعون (Who seeks support and guidance from God)
25px Libya (coat of arms) Star and crescent
25px Malaysia (coat of arms) Crescent moon
25px Maldives (Emblem) Star and crescent
25px Mali (coat of arms) Great Mosque of Djenné, Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi (One People, One Goal, One Faith)
25px Mauritania (seal) Star and crescent, green
25px Morocco (coat of arms) إن تنصروا الله ينصركم (If you glorify God, he will glorify you)
25px Pakistan (state emblem) ایمان ، اتحاد ، نظم (Faith, Unity, Discipline), Star and crescent, green
25px Senegal (coat of arms) Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi (One People, One Goal, One Faith)
25px Tunisia (coat of arms) Star and crescent
25px Turkmenistan (emblem) Rub el Hizb, stars and crescent
25px Uzbekistan (emblem) Rub el Hizb, star and crescent

Former

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
25px Kingdom of Egypt (coat of arms) stars and crescent
25px Ottoman Empire (coat of arms) Quran, star and crescent, المستند بالتوفيقات الربانية ملك الدولة العثمانية (The Ottoman State relies on the guidance and assistance of the Almighty)

Judaism

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
25px Israel (coat of arms) Menorah, blue

Traditional

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
25px Argentina (coat of arms) Sun of May
25px South Korea (emblem) Yin and yang
25px Mexico (coat of arms) Symbolizies the Aztec legend of Tenochtitlan, modern-day Mexico City[48]
25px Uruguay (coat of arms) Sun of May

Former

Coat of arms Country Religious characteristics
25px Imperial State of Iran (coat of arms) Lion and Sun, Faravahar, Simurgh
25px Kingdom of Iraq (coat of arms) Lion of Babylon

See also

  • Religious symbolism
  • French law on secularity and conspicuous religious symbols in schools
  • Religious symbolism in the United States military
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs emblems for headstones and markers

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Specifically the fourth verse.
  2. ↑ Most of the verses contain a link to religion and the sixth verse is entirely devoted to God.
  3. ↑ No reference to Christianity in the original text, only in the unofficial and seldom sung extra verses suggested in 1910. References to Christianity do however exist in the royal anthem "Kungssången".
  4. ↑ Specifically the third and fourth verses.
  5. ↑ Specifically the German version.
  6. ↑ Specifically the third verse.

References

  1. ↑ "64 countries have religious symbols on their national flags". 25 November 2014. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/11/25/64-countries-have-religious-symbols-on-their-national-flags/. 
  2. ↑ "First Schedule – The National Flag and the National Emblem of Bhutan". The Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Government of Bhutan. 2008-07-18. http://www.constitution.bt/TsaThrim%20Eng%20(A5).pdf. Retrieved 2010-10-08. 
  3. ↑ "Flag Description: Cambodia". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_cb.html. 
  4. ↑ "The Sri Lankan Lion flag -how it came to be". Virtual Library Sri Lanka. http://www.lankalibrary.com/pro/flag2.htm. 
  5. ↑ "Flag Description: Thailand". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_th.html. 
  6. ↑ "What's with the funny shape of Nepal's flag? - The World from PRX". https://theworld.org/stories/2015/06/03/funny-shape-nepals-flag. 
  7. ↑ Flags of the world: an illustrated guide to contemporary flags Alfred Znamierowski – 2000, ISBN 1-84215-337-4
  8. ↑ "The history and philosophy of the Tricolour: Courage, Unity, Faith - Hindustan Times". https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/indias-independence-day-celebrating-76-years-of-democracy-with-the-national-flag-as-a-symbol-of-unity-and-freedom-101692083567614.html. 
  9. ↑ @ILoveMyTiranga. "The #Ashok Chakra contains 24 spokes in the centre which represents the 24 precious hours of the whole day". https://twitter.com/ILoveMyTiranga/status/991587523448078336.  Missing or empty |date= (help)
  10. ↑ "The inspiring story behind the symbol of the National Flag | comment newspaper | Hindustan Times". https://www.hindustantimes.com/comment-newspaper/the-inspiring-story-behind-the-symbol-of-the-national-flag/story-DEKa5WM8ysNV424QQHcJDL.html. 
  11. ↑ "General Information on the government of Armenia's website". Gov.am. http://www.gov.am/en/official/. 
  12. ↑ Zartman, Rubin (2002). Power and Negotiation. University of Michigan Press. p. 111. ISBN 0472089072. 
  13. ↑ Foley, Carol A. (1996). The Australian flag : colonial relic or contemporary icon?. Sydney: Federation Press. p. 18. ISBN 9781862871885. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Jeroen Temperman (2010). State Religion Relationships and Human Rights Law. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. ISBN 978-9004181489. https://books.google.com/books?id=Khag6tbsIn4C&dq=flag+of+sweden+christian&pg=PA88. Retrieved 2007-12-31. "Many predominantly Christian states show a cross, symbolising Christianity, on their national flag. Scandinavian crosses or Nordic crosses on the flags of the Nordic countries–Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden–also represent Christianity." 
  15. ↑ "Flag Description: Dominica". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_do.html. 
  16. ↑ "Flag Description: Dominican Republic". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_dr.html. 
  17. ↑ "The new flag of Georgia does not seem to be related with this historical banner. The flag of the National Movement was unknown ten years ago [1993] and was called 'the Georgian historical national flag' by the opposition leaders only after publications by the Georgian vexillologist I.L. Bichikashvili." Mikhail Revnivtsev, 25 November 2003 crwflags.com
  18. ↑ "Flag Description: Greece". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_gr.html. 
  19. ↑ Talocci, Mauro (1982). Guide to the Flags of the World. Morrow. p. 271. ISBN 0688011411. https://archive.org/details/guidetoflagsofwo00talo. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 "64 countries have religious symbols on their national flags". Pew Research. 25 November 2014. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/11/25/64-countries-have-religious-symbols-on-their-national-flags/. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Temperman, Jeroen (2010). State-Religion Relationships and Human Rights Law: Towards a Right to Religiously Neutral Governance. Brill Academic. p. 88. ISBN 9789004181489. "The cross on the flag of Dominica represents Christianity while the three colours of which the cross consists stand for the Trinity. The coat of arms depicted on the flag of Slovakia shows a double cross. The flag of the Dominican Republic represents Christianity while the three colours of which the cross consists stand for the Tinity. The coat of arms depicted on the flag of Slovakia shows a double cross. The flag of the Dominican Republic shows the words "God, Fatherland, Liberty", an opened bible and a cross (depicted in the coat of arms which is represented in the centre). The 'five-cross-flag' of George shows four small crosses and a large St. George's Cross, referring to the patron saint of Georgia (the national flag of England shows the St. George's Cross as well). The white cross on the flag of Greece symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy. The flag of Moldova shows its coat of arms in the centre: an eagle with a Christian Orthodox cross in its beak. The coat of arms of Serbia, as depicted on the national flag, also shows an Orthodox cross." 
  22. ↑ "A Bandeira de Portugal" (in Portuguese). Portugal. Criar Mundos. August 2005. https://criarmundos.do.sapo.pt/Portugal/simbolosbandeira.html. 
  23. ↑ "O štátnej vlajke, štátnej zástave, štátnom znaku a štátnej pečati". Joint Czech–Slovak Digital Parliamentary Library. Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic. June 1939. http://www.psp.cz/eknih/1939ssr/tisky/t0015_00.htm. 
  24. ↑ Foley, Carol A. (1 January 1996). The Australian Flag. Federation Press. p. 10. ISBN 9781862871885. "The Christian cross, for instance, is one of the oldest and most widely used symbols in the world, and many European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Greece and Switzerland, adopted and currently retain the Christian cross on their national flags." 
  25. ↑ Smith, Whitney (24 November 2013). "Flag of Tonga". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.. http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1355548/flag-of-Tonga. Retrieved 9 August 2014. 
  26. ↑ "Union Jack". The Royal Household. http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Symbols/UnionJack.aspx. 
  27. ↑ "Details". https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/afghanistan/flag. 
  28. ↑ "Flag Description: Algeria". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_ag.html. 
  29. ↑ "Flag Description: Azerbaijan". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_aj.html. 
  30. ↑ "Flag Description: Bahrain". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_ba.html. 
  31. ↑ "Flag Description: Brunei". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_bx.html. 
  32. ↑ "Flag Description: Comoros". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_cn.html. 
  33. ↑ "Flag Description: Iran". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_ir.html. 
  34. ↑ "Flag Description: Iraq". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_iz.html. 
  35. ↑ "Flag Description: Jordan". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_jo.html. 
  36. ↑ "Flag of Libya - Description". Index Mundi. http://www.indexmundi.com/libya/flag_description.html. 
  37. ↑ "Flag Description: Malaysia". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_my.html. 
  38. ↑ "Flag Description: Maldives". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_mv.html. 
  39. ↑ "Flag Description: Mauritania". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_mr.html. 
  40. ↑ "Moroccan Flag". Vexillology Matters. http://www.vexillologymatters.org/moroccan-flag.htm. 
  41. ↑ "Pakistan Flag". Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. http://www.infopak.gov.pk/Flag.aspx. 
  42. ↑ "Flag Description: Saudi Arabia". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_sa.html. 
  43. ↑ "Senegal on Flagspot". Flagspot.net. http://flagspot.net/flags/sn.html. 
  44. ↑ Philip, George and Son (December 26, 2002). Encyclopedic World Atlas. Oxford University Press. p. 198. ISBN 9780195219203. https://books.google.com/books?id=8UD0kOEb1XIC&dq=flag+of+senegal&pg=PA198. Retrieved May 24, 2013. 
  45. ↑ World Flags 101. "Sudan Flag - World Flags 101". WorldFlags101.com. Moxy Media. http://www.worldflags101.com/s/sudan-flag.aspx. 
  46. ↑ "Flag Description: Israel". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_is.html. 
  47. ↑ "Flag Description: Argentina". World Factbook. CIA. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/flags/flagtemplate_ar.html. 
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 "Flag of Mexico". All-flags-world.com. http://www.all-flags-world.com/country-flag/flag-mexico.php. 
  49. ↑ "Flag of Uruguay". All-flags-world.com. http://www.all-flags-world.com/country-flag/flag-uruguay.php. 
  50. ↑ "Photographic image" (PNG). https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/India_emblem.png. 
  51. ↑ "Sarnath". https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/Sarnath_capital.jpg. 



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