New Zealand, like any other state, has its own official symbolism, which represents it. This is a coat of arms, national flag and anthem. However, the rich flora and fauna of the country gives reason to believe that there is another symbol of New Zealand. And maybe not one.
Country Name History
The Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, who in 1642 reached the shores of the Polynesian islands of the Pacific Ocean, plotted their outlines on a map. He originally gave them the name Staten Landt. This name did not exist for long, and soon it was replaced by another - Nova Zeelandia, which in Dutch means "New Sea Lands". Captain James Cook, in drawing up a more accurate map in 1769, used English. So the name appeared New Zealand (New Zealand), officially assigned to the country.
State symbols
New Zealand is a member of the British Commonwealth and recognizes the power of the British monarch.
The national flag has a blue background, there are images of the British flag and four red stars symbolizing the constellation Southern Cross.
The coat of arms in its current form was granted to the country by Queen Elizabeth II in 1956. Before gaining dominion status in 1907, New Zealand, like other colonies of the British Empire, did not have its own coat of arms. The first state symbol of New Zealand was granted in 1911 by King George V. And in 1956, some changes were made to its design. The following images are on the shield of the coat of arms:
1. Three ships - a symbol of maritime trade and immigrant origin of most citizens.
2. Four stars - a symbol of the constellation Southern Cross.
3. The Golden Fleece is a symbol of cattle breeding.
4. Sheaf of wheat - a symbol of agriculture.
5. Two crossed hammers - a symbol of industry and mining.
Above the shield is the crown of St. Edward - one of the royal symbols of Great Britain. Under the shield are two branches of silver fern, decorated with a ribbon with the inscription New Zealand. On the sides of the shield are two figures holding it. This is a woman of European appearance with the flag of New Zealand and a Maori warrior representing the indigenous people of the country.
There are two national anthems in the country that have equal status - "God Save the Queen" and "God Protect New Zealand." The latter is more used.
Silver fern - a symbol of New Zealand
The flower with silver leaves, which landscape designers love to decorate the shady areas of the garden, belongs to the class of ferns. The official name is silver cyatea. In the wild, it grows only in New Zealand. Since ancient times, the indigenous people of the country used all the properties of this plant. For medical purposes, it was used as an antiseptic that promotes the healing of wounds and burns. The woody part of the fern is poisonous, and the Maori warriors treated the tips of their copies with the juice of its fibers.
This plant is the national symbol of New Zealand, its image can be found on army badges, coins, emblems of sports teams and clubs. In 2015, a new draft of the national flag with a fern branch was even developed. However, according to the results of the 2016 referendum, it was decided to leave the state flag design the same.
Kiwi (bird) - a symbol of New Zealand
Another national symbol of the country is the flightless kiwi bird. This endemic has a rather funny appearance. The body of the bird resembles the shape of a pear. The wings are almost undeveloped, so they are not visible behind the dense plumage, more like wool. There is no tail, the neck is so small that it seems as if the head immediately goes into the body. The bird has a long thin beak with nostrils at the end. And strong four-fingered legs allow you to run fast. And although the kiwi does not fly, it is quite difficult to catch it. The bird is small and rarely weighs more than four kilograms. The largest of the five species living in New Zealand is the large gray kiwi. Its height reaches 45 centimeters.
In natural habitats, it is almost impossible to see a kiwi, since it leads a nocturnal lifestyle. Her sense of smell is better developed than touch, with her long beak with nostrils at the end, the bird literally sniffs out prey. The main diet of kiwi are insects, worms, mollusks, crustaceans, berries and small fruits. In the afternoon, the bird hides in specially prepared shelters. These can be burrows, which certain types of kiwi dig in the form of labyrinths, hollows and intricate root systems of trees. In its habitat, a pair of birds can have up to 50 shelters well camouflaged by leaves and moss. And although kiwi is an unofficial symbol of New Zealand, yet this endemic is the most recognizable and beloved representative of the country's fauna. His images can be found everywhere - from coins, jewelry and souvenirs to logos and advertising banners.
Kiviana
In conclusion, it is worth adding that the inhabitants of New Zealand are very fond of the unique history and nature of their country. And they even came up with such a concept as kiwiana for all national features that symbolize the country. The list is constantly updated, it includes traditions and cultural objects of the indigenous people of New Zealand, representatives of the kingdom of nature, modern scientific and cultural achievements.