FRANCE

Emblems

A National Emblem symbolically represents a nation. Most national emblems originate in the natural world, (as animals, say, or birds), but any object may serve. National emblems may appear on such items as the national flag, coat of arms, or other patriotic materials. One should not confuse a formal national emblem with less formal symbols potentially associated with tourism or clichés, for example windmills in the Netherlands.