You symbolsnationals they are the four symbols stipulated by law as representing and symbolizing our nation. These symbols are the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Weapons and the National Seal. The three graphic symbols were established with the proclamation of rpublic, and the National Anthem was made official in 1922.
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Summary of national symbols
- The national symbols are the four symbols, established by Brazilian law, which represent the identity and culture from Brazil.
- They are: National Flag, National Anthem, National Weapons and National Seal.
- The Flag, the Anthem and the Arms were established in November 1889, with the proclamation of the republic.
- The National Anthem had its melody created in 1831, and its lyrics were created in 1909 and made official in 1922.
What are national symbols?
national symbols represent our country and have the function of formatting his identity. These symbols are a way to represent the values that formed our society and guarantee a sense of patriotism in the population. they symbolize the
sovereignty of the Brazilian nation and reproduce part of our history and culture.National symbols are used on formal occasions such as diplomatic events. Brazilian legislation defined, through the Law No. 5700, of September 1, 1971, that our country has four of these symbols, which are:
- National flag
- National anthem
- National Weapons
- National Seal
This definition was ratified in the 1988 Constitution. There is currently a commemorative date to celebrate the national symbols. National Symbols Day is celebrated annually on September 18th. Let's look at some details of each of the four symbols that represent Brazil.
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National flag
The National Flag is a national symbol established shortly after the proclamation of the republic, on November 15, 1889. With the new political system, Brazil stopped using the flag of monarchic period and began work on the development of a new flag.
The decree for the creation of a new flag was signed by the provisional president, the marshal Deodoro da Fonseca. The new Brazilian flag was presented to the nation on November 19, 1889 and was produced by RaimundoTeixeiraMendes, Miguelwe read, ManuelPereirakings and Deciusvillages.
The new flag took advantage of some features of its monarchic version, such as colors, but introduced some significant changes. In this way, the green and yellow were kept, as well as the diamond (which had its size resized). Finally, a blue sphere was introduced with a white band.
The blue sphere has white stars representing the 26 states of Brazil and the Federal District. The phrase "Order and Progress”, inspired by a phrase by the positivist philosopher Auguste Comte. The stars present on the flag were positioned according to the position of the Cruzeiro do Sul constellation at 8:30 am on November 15, 1889.
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National anthem
The National Anthem, in turn, is the only national symbol that is not graphic, but musical. Law nº 5700 establishes the performance criteria for the Anthem. According to this law:
"Art. 24. The performance of the National Anthem will comply with the following requirements:
I - It will always be performed in a metronomic tempo of a quarter note equal to 120 (one hundred and twenty);
II - The B-flat key is mandatory for simple instrumental performance;
III - The singing will always be done in unison […].”|1|
The composition of the Brazilian National Anthem took place in two stages, separated by almost a century. That's because the melody that is part of it was composed, by FranciscoManuelgivesSilva, in 1831. He composed it in reference to the abdication of d. Peter I of the throne, and his song ended up becoming the Brazilian Anthem during the second reign.
During the monarchic period, this song was accompanied by two lyrics, but the change to the republican regime left only the melody composed by Francisco Manuel da Silva. In 1909, a poet named Joaquim Osório Duque-Estrada he composed lyrics for the National Anthem, which was only made official in 1922, with the centenary of our independence.
The National Anthem is played at solemnities, such as graduations, and official events of the Brazilian government. Its reproduction is understood as a patriotic action that reinforces the sense of belonging and identification of the population with the nation.
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National Weapons
The National Arms, also known as the National Coat of Arms, are another national symbol and were established, as was the National Flag, in 1889, with the change to the republican system. This symbol was created by ArthurSauer and LuísGrüder and it was established through Decree No. 4, of November 19, 1889.
This symbol is used by Forcesarmed, and it is mandatory in the buildings of the Executive, Legislative and judiciary and in public buildings across the country. In it there is a blue sphere with five silver stars, being surrounded by the constellation of Cruzeiro do Sul. In addition, the symbol contains a sword, a branch of coffee, a branch of tobacco and the words “República Federativa do Brasil” and “November 15, 1889”.
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National Seal
The National Seal is another symbol created by the intervention of Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, in November 1889. It is clearly inspired by the blue sphere that makes up the National Flag and is used to stamp government documents and official documents, like diplomas.
It is formed by the blue sphere with the stars that represent the states and the Federal District, in addition to the phrase “Ordem e Progresso”. Also, it has the words “República Federativa do Brasil”.
Note
|1| Law No. 5700, of September 1, 1971. To access, click on here.
by Daniel Neves
History teacher