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List of British national symbols facts for kids

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State symbols are special things that represent a country or a region. They can be flags, animals, plants, or even famous buildings! These symbols help people understand the history and culture of a place.

The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each of these countries has its own unique symbols. Some symbols are official, like the Royal Arms of England. Others might not be official but are still well-known around the world.

Symbols of England

England has many symbols that show its traditions, culture, and history. These symbols represent different parts of English life.

English Flag

The flag of England is called the Saint George's Cross. It is a red cross on a white background.

Flag of England
The flag of England, known as St. George's Cross.

Royal Arms of England

The Royal Arms of England is a special design that shows three gold lions on a red shield. It has the motto Dieu et mon droit, which is French for "God and my right."

Royal Arms of England (1198-1340)
The Royal Arms of England, featuring three lions.

Patron Saint

England's patron saint is St. George. He is a legendary figure known for bravery.

South Darley St George
St. George, the patron saint of England.

National Symbol

The main national symbol of England is the Tudor Rose. This beautiful rose combines a red rose and a white rose, representing two important historical families.

Tudor Rose (Heraldry)
The Tudor Rose, a national symbol of England.

Famous Landmark

A well-known symbol of England is Big Ben. This famous clock tower is part of the Houses of Parliament in London.

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament - geograph.org.uk - 479320
Big Ben, a famous landmark in London.

State Animal

The state animal of England is the Barbary lion. Lions have been a symbol of strength and courage in England for a long time.

Lion2010
The Barbary lion, England's state animal.

State Bird

The Barn owl is considered the state bird of England. These owls are known for their beautiful white faces and quiet flight.

Barn Owl, Lancashire
A Barn owl, the state bird of England.

State Flower

The state flower of England is the Rose. The red rose is especially famous and has been used as a symbol for centuries.

Rosa Red Chateau01
A red rose, the state flower of England.

State Tree

The Royal oak is the state tree of England. Oak trees are strong and long-lasting, symbolizing endurance.

Oldest tree in Sherwood Forest park
An old oak tree, representing the Royal oak.

English Dog Breed

The English Bulldog is a well-known dog breed from England. They are famous for their sturdy build and gentle nature.

Ungha - English bulldog
An English Bulldog.

Folk Costume

Traditional English clothing, sometimes called Anglican Clothing, represents historical styles and traditions.

Costume, fanciful, historical, and theatrical - A Riding Costume
An example of historical English clothing.

English Tartan

The Saint George's Tartan is a fabric pattern associated with England, similar to the famous Scottish tartans.

Rosevear Family Tartan
A tartan pattern associated with England.

State Dance

The English dance is a traditional folk dance often performed with bells and sticks.

Morris Dancers, York (26579460201)
Morris Dancers performing.

State Instrument

The Guitar is considered a state instrument of England, reflecting its popularity in music.

Marc brierleys john bailey guitar
A guitar.

State Dish

Fish and Chips is a very popular and traditional dish in England. It consists of fried fish and potato chips.

Fish and chips
A plate of fish and chips.

State Sport

Cricket is the state sport of England. It is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams.

Ali Brown
A cricket player in action.

Symbols of Scotland

Scotland has its own set of symbols that show its unique Scottish and Celtic traditions and history.

Scottish Flag

The flag of Scotland is the Saint Andrew's Cross, also known as the Saltire. It is a white cross on a blue background.

Flag of Scotland
The flag of Scotland, the Saltire.
Royal Regiment of Scotland Flag
The flag of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Royal Arms of Scotland

The Royal Arms of Scotland features a red lion on a yellow shield. It has the motto In Defens, which means "In Defence" in Scots.

Royal Arms of the Kingdom of Scotland
The Royal Arms of the Kingdom of Scotland.

Patron Saint

Scotland's patron saint is St. Andrew. He is honored on St. Andrew's Day, celebrated on November 30th.

St Neot Cornwall 018
St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

National Symbols

The main national symbol of Scotland is the Scottish thistle, a prickly but beautiful flower. Another important symbol is the Unicorn, which represents purity and power.

Scottish Thistle (Heraldry)
The Scottish Thistle.
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom-Unicorn
A unicorn, a national symbol of Scotland.

Famous Landmark

Edinburgh Castle is a famous landmark and a symbol of Scotland. It is a historic fortress on a volcanic rock.

Edinburgh Castle 23
Edinburgh Castle, a famous Scottish landmark.

State Animal

The Scottish Red deer is the state animal of Scotland. These majestic deer are found in the Scottish Highlands.

Red deer stag
A Scottish Red deer stag.

State Bird

The European Golden eagle is the state bird of Scotland. These large, powerful birds of prey live in the wild Scottish landscapes.

Aquila chrysaetos La Canada 2012-01-14
A European Golden eagle.

State Flower

The Bluebell is the state flower of Scotland. These delicate blue flowers often cover woodlands in spring.

Campanula rotundifolia 002
Scottish Bluebells.

State Tree

The Scottish pine is the state tree of Scotland. It is a native evergreen tree that forms ancient forests.

Pinus sylvestris GlenQuoich
A Scottish pine tree.

Scottish Dog Breed

The Scottish Terrier is a well-known dog breed from Scotland. They are small, sturdy dogs with distinctive wiry coats.

Scottish Terriers
Two Scottish Terriers.

Folk Costume

The Highland traditional dress is the folk costume of Scotland. This includes the famous Kilts.

Kilted
A person wearing a traditional Scottish kilt.

Scottish Tartan

The Saint Andrew's Tartan and various Kilts are traditional Scottish fabric patterns. Each tartan often represents a specific clan or family.

Three tartans
Examples of Scottish tartans.

State Dance

Scottish dance refers to traditional dances that are often energetic and performed at special events.

05 Bel 002 crop
A Scottish highland dancer.

State Instrument

The Bagpipe is the state instrument of Scotland. Its unique sound is a strong symbol of Scottish culture.

Great Highlands Bagpipe 001
A person playing the Great Highland Bagpipe.

State Dish

Haggis is the state dish of Scotland. It is a traditional savory pudding made with sheep's offal, oatmeal, and spices.

Haggis Mo
A serving of Haggis.

State Sport

Shinty is the state sport of Scotland. It is a team game played with sticks and a ball, similar to hockey.

Shinty Bute
A Shinty game in progress.
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List of British national symbols Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.