Historical Encyclopedia
The state symbols of China represent an important aspect of the culture and identity of this great civilization, which has maintained its uniqueness for thousands of years despite various political and historical changes. The symbolism of the state reflects its ancient traditions, philosophical teachings, as well as the key milestones in its history. In this context, examining the history of the state symbols of China helps to understand how perceptions of the state, power, and people have changed, and what ideas were behind the images that symbolized the strength and unity of the Chinese nation.
The symbolism of China has roots in deep antiquity, and many of these symbols continue to be used in modern state attributes. One of the oldest symbols is the dragon—a mythical creature that embodies power and authority. The dragon in Chinese culture has always been a symbol of imperial power, as well as prosperity and wealth. During the imperial era, the dynasty used the dragon as its emblem, with different dragons on signs and seals reflecting allegiance to a specific dynasty.
Another important symbol is the phoenix—a bird that symbolizes rebirth and immortality. In Chinese mythology, the phoenix was associated with harmony and balance, symbolized by the union of masculine and feminine principles. Images of the dragon and phoenix were often used together, where the dragon represented the emperor and the phoenix represented the empress. These symbols are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and continued to exist for many centuries.
During the imperial times of China, the symbolism of the state was closely intertwined with the personality of the emperor. In particular, the emblems and coats of arms used by the emperor reflected his divine authority. One of the most famous symbols was the “five dragons,” which were used on signs and seals. The dragon on the imperial sign was always depicted with five claws, symbolizing its uniqueness, as a dragon with such a number of claws was a symbol of exclusively imperial power.
Additionally, the signs of authority of the emperors of China included various color schemes. For example, yellow was considered the “color of the emperor” as it symbolized the earth and harmony, as well as denoting the emperor's connection with heaven and earth. The imperial court used yellow clothing, and the palaces were primarily decorated in yellow, emphasizing the status of the emperor as the supreme ruler.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, a new state symbolism was developed, which included the emblem, flag, and anthem. The emblem of the People's Republic of China is one of the most vivid examples of the use of symbolism in modern Chinese history. In the center of the emblem is a red circle symbolizing the bright future of the country. Within the circle, Tiananmen Square—located in Beijing—symbolizes China's central position in the world community.
The emblem also features five stars and a crescent moon. The five stars symbolize the five main ethnic groups of China (Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Uighur), while the crescent moon represents a traditional symbol of China. The five stars and the crescent moon are positioned within a unified circle, highlighting the unity of the peoples of China within one country.
The flag of the People's Republic of China was adopted on October 1, 1949. It consists of a red field with five golden stars in the upper left corner. The stars on the flag represent the five ethnic groups of China. Four small stars symbolize other ethnic groups, while one large star, located in the center, represents the Chinese people as a whole. The red color of the flag symbolizes the revolution and the struggle of the Chinese people for their independence and freedom, as well as the socialist revolution that led to the creation of the new state.
The flag of China has become a symbol not only of political revolution but also of the cultural and social transformations that have occurred in the country. Unlike the imperial symbols, which expressed absolutist power and traditions, the flag of the People's Republic of China embodies the ideas of revolution, equality, and collectivism, which have formed the basis of a new Chinese identity.
The national anthem of China, known as "March of the Volunteers," was adopted in 1949 and has become an important element of the state symbolism. This work expresses the ideals of revolution and the struggle for independence, as well as devotion to the people and the aspiration for a bright future. The lyrics of the anthem were written by poet Tian Hao, while the music was composed by Nie Er. The anthem is used during official events and ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of patriotism and the unity of the Chinese people.
The anthem of China symbolizes the unification of all Chinese people in the fight for common goals and justice. Since its adoption, "March of the Volunteers" has become a powerful symbol of the revolutionary spirit and social transformation that accompanied the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
Modern state symbolism in China continues to evolve, preserving traditions and adapting them to new political and social conditions. Elements of ancient symbolism, such as the dragon and phoenix, have retained their significance but are now used with new interpretations. For instance, the dragon has become a symbol not only of imperial power but also of China's might on the world stage. It is also associated with economic growth, while the phoenix continues to symbolize rebirth and hope.
Furthermore, in modern Chinese symbolism, an important place is occupied by the symbol of socialism, which includes elements such as red color, stars, and motifs reflecting collectivism and people's power. It is important to note that the national symbolism of China is actively used in international politics, economy, and culture, reflecting the country's aspiration to promote its interests on the world stage and strengthen its status as a global power.
Thus, the history of the state symbols of China encompasses a wide range of changes that have occurred in the country over the centuries. From the symbols of ancient dynasties to the modern attributes of the People's Republic of China, the state symbolism of China continues to evolve, reflecting significant events, philosophical teachings, and aspirations of the Chinese people.