National Emblems of the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (abbreviated from "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland") is the political name of the country which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (sometimes known as Ulster). The United Kingdom (abbreviated from "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland") is the political name of the country which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (sometimes known as Ulster). In everyday speech "Britain" is used to mean the United Kingdom In everyday speech "Britain" is used to mean the United Kingdom

The map of the UK

The flag of the United Kingdom

The flag of the United Kingdom, known as the Union Jack, is made up of three crosses. The flag of the United Kingdom, known as the Union Jack, is made up of three crosses. The upright red cross on a white background is the cross of the 1st George, the patron saint of England. The upright red cross on a white background is the cross of the 1st George, the patron saint of England. The white diagonal cross on a blue background is the cross of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. The white diagonal cross on a blue background is the cross of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. The red diagonal cross on a white background is the cross of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The red diagonal cross on a white background is the cross of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The Welsh flag, called the Welsh dragon, represents a red dragon on a white and green background. The Welsh flag, called the Welsh dragon, represents a red dragon on a white and green background.

The flags of the parts of the UK The flag of England The flag of Scotland The flag of Wales The flag of Northern Ireland

The Royal Arms In the Royal Arms three lions symbolize England, a lion rampant Scotland, and a harp Ireland. The whole is encircled and is supported by a lion and a unicorn. The lion has been used as a symbol of national strength and of the British monarchy for many centuries. The unicorn, a mythical animal that looks like a horse with a long straight horn, has appeared on the Scottish and British royal coats of arms for many centuries, and is a symbol of purity.

Coats of Arms England ScotlandWales

The National Anthem God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen: Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us: God save the Queen. O Lord, our God, arise, Scatter her enemies, And make them fall. Confound their politics, Frustrate their knavish tricks, On Thee our hopes we fix, God save us all. God Save the Queen Thy choicest gifts in store, On her be pleased to pour; Long may she reign: May she defend our laws, And ever give us cause To sing with heart and voice God save the Queen

St. George's Day falls on 23 April and is regarded as England's national day. On this day some patriotic Englishmen wear a rose pinned to their jackets'. A red rose is the national emblem of England from the time of the Wars of the Roses (15th century).

St. Andrew's Day (the 30th of November) is regarded as Scotland's national day. On this day some Scotsmen wear a thistle in their buttonhole. As a national emblem of Scotland, thistle apparently first used in the 15th century as a symbol of defence. The Order of the Thistle is one of the highest orders of knighthood. It was founded in 1687.

St. Patrick's Day (the 17th of March) is considered as a national day in Northern Ireland and an official bank holiday there. The national emblem of Ireland is shamrock. According to legend, it was the plant chosen by St. Patrick to illustrate the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish.

St. David's Day (the 1st of March) is the church festival of St. David, the patron saint of Wales. The day is regarded as the national holiday of Wales, although it is not an official bank holiday. On this day, however, many Welshmen wear either a yellow daffodil or a leek pinned to their jackets, as both plants are traditionally regarded as national emblems of Wales.

Questions: 1. What does the word "Britain" mean in everyday speech? 1. What does the word "Britain" mean in everyday speech? 2. What is the flag of the United Kingdom made up of? 2. What is the flag of the United Kingdom made up of? 3. How is the Welsh flag called? 3. How is the Welsh flag called? 4. What do some Englishmen wear on St. George's Day? 4. What do some Englishmen wear on St. George's Day? 5. What day is regarded as Scotland's national day? 5. What day is regarded as Scotland's national day? 6. What day is a national day in Northern Ireland? 6. What day is a national day in Northern Ireland? 7. What do three lions in the Royal Arms symbolize? 7. What do three lions in the Royal Arms symbolize? 8. What does the unicorn symbolize? 8. What does the unicorn symbolize?