Country studies

1 слайд National symbols are defined as the icons of a national community such as England.
National symbols may be visual (the national flower), verbal (the national anthem) and iconic (the
flag). These symbols are used in national events and celebrations, inspiring patriotism as they
include every member of the particular group of people.
England has many national symbols, which are used extensively in political, social, cultural and
religious spheres. These include: the national floral emblem- the Tudor Rose, the national animal-
the lion and honours of England.

First of all, let’s lay emphasis on the floral symbol. It’s The Tudor Rose, which is also known as
The Rose of England. The Tudor Rose was adopted as a symbol of peace and embodies a white rose
(representing the Yorkists) and a red rose (representing the Lancastrians).
As I’ve told you about the floral symbol, it’s time to say a few words about the animal symbol. The
animal of England is the lion, because this creature is embodiment of bravery, and it was frequently
used to depict the courageous warriors of medieval England. Today, it remains the national animal
of the country and is used extensively in sports team names, logos and icons.
And the last, but not the least thing, which is very important is honours of England. In medieval
times, King Edward III was so inspired by tales of King Arthur and the chivalry of the Knights
of the Round Table that he set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the
Garter. Nearly 700 years later, the Order is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry
in Britain. The Knights, now both male and female, used to be limited to aristocracy, but today
they are chosen from a variety of backgrounds, in recognition for their public service

2 слайд The next interesting point of our presentation is the verbal symbol, the anthem of England.
National song of England is 'God Save the Queen', the British National Anthem. It is usually sung
before some sports and other events. The British National Anthem is not wholly English as it
incorporates all the countries that make up the United Kingdom. Many people, like the England
Rugby team, prefer a more patriotic song for England such as Land of Hope and Glory or
Jerusalem.
However in 2009, a new and more modern national song for England was written and composed by
Sam Dunkley, a folk musician. The new song was 'intended to reflect English customs and ideas' and
was firstly presented on St George's Day (England's National Day, отмечается 23 апреля, в день
смерти Святого Георгия).
Land of Hope and Glory

Land of Hope and Glory

Mother of the Free
How shall we extol thee
Who are born of thee?
Wider still and wider
Shall thy bounds be set
God, who made thee mighty
Make thee mightier yet...
God, who made thee mighty
Make thee mightier yet.

Jerusalem.

And did those feet in ancient time

Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the Holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the Countenance divine
Shine forth upon those clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among those dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold,

Bring me my arrows of desire;
Bring me my spear! O, clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

3 слайд The motto is a symbol of England too. England's motto is "Dieu et mon droit." The
origin of the motto is Old French and the motto means "God and my right." The motto was first
used by King Richard I in 1198 at the Battle of Gisors after he defeated Phillip II of France.