Do you want to know the most important symbols of Italy?
As a nation, Italy has a distinct set of symbols that represent its history and culture. Some of these Italian symbols are officially recognized by the state while others are simply a part of Italian culture.
Still, these symbols of Italy, emblems, personifications, and allegories reflect the country’s storied past and unique culture, making it a fascinating country to get to know more.
Let’s get to know these Italian symbols and emblems of Italy – and learn about their meaning and significance.
National Symbols of Italy
National Currency of Italy: The lira was in use from 1861 to 2002, replaced by the Euro since.
National Day of Italy: Festa Della Repubblica on the 2nd of June, commemorating the start of the republic and the end of the monarchy
National Colors of Italy: Green, white, and red
National Tree of Italy: Olive and oak trees
National Flower of Italy: Lily
National Animal of Italy: Wolf (unofficial)
National Bird of Italy: Italian sparrow
National Dish of Italy: Ragu alla Bolognese, known internationally as “spaghetti bolognese”
National Dessert of Italy: Tiramisù
Official Symbols of Italy
The following are the official Italian symbols recognized and declared by the Italian government.
The Flag of Italy
The colors of the Italian flag are based on those of the French flag. However, the French flag’s blue color was substituted with the green of Milan’s Civic Guard.
The Italian flag has undergone various changes since 1797. The Italian tricolor flag that we see today was adopted as the Italian Republic’s national flag in 1946.
White, green, and red are the primary colors on the tri-band flag. There is a variety of meanings associated with the colors, and the first one says:
The color green represents the country’s hills and plains. White represents the snow-capped mountains, while red represents the bloodshed that occurred throughout Unification and Independence.
The other set of meanings has a more religious interpretation, where these colors are said to represent the following theological virtues:
The color green is a symbol of hope. The color red is associated with charitable giving. Faith is represented by white.
Read more: Flag of Italy: History, Description, and Meaning (+ 5 Other Most Important Italian Flags)
Emblem of Italy
The star, the cogwheel, and the olive and acorn branches make up the Italian Republic’s national emblem. Both domestic harmony and worldwide fraternity are represented by the olive branch as part of a nation’s commitment to peace. The oak branch that encircles the right-hand side of the logo represents the Italian people’s power and dignity.
In addition, both plants are among the most common woodland species in Italy.
As one of the oldest symbols of Italian culture, the star in the flag has long been identified with the country itself. This star is also seen in the Risorgimento iconography and the coat of arms for the Kingdom of Italy (the so-called “big star”).
An earlier republican medal, the Star of Italian Solidarity, was also shaped like a star. This medal was given to Italian military expatriates who had made significant contributions to Italy’s postwar reconstruction.
Italy’s National Anthem
Italians refer to the song “Il Canto degli Italiani” as “Inno di Mameli” – “Mameli’s Hymn” – because it is sung by its lyricist Goffredo Mameli. It is also known as “Fratelli d’Italia” (“Brothers of Italy”).
Set to music by Michele Novaro, the song was a big hit during Italy’s reunification. The song was commissioned in 1831 by King Charles Albert of Sardinia. The political climate at the time made “Il Canto degli Italiani” seem too conservative to be used as an anthem. Post-war, the country was renamed the Republic, and Italy’s national anthem was officially “Il Canto degli Italiani,” or “The Voice of Italy.”
Other Symbols of Italy
There are more emblems and symbols of Italy that are part of the country’s history and identity. These may not be legally defined, but still effectively represent Italy and its culture.
Aquila
© Marcomogollon | Wikimedia Commons
One of the most well-known symbols of ancient Rome is the aquila, or “eagle.” The “aquilifers” of the Roman legion carried a flag that bore this majestic image.
Soldiers held the aquila in high esteem and saw it as an emblem of their legion. When the flag of the eagle was lost in combat, they went to considerable lengths to reclaim it, which was seen as the ultimate humiliation.
Aquila-like eagles still adorn the flags of several European countries and cultures, some of which are descended from the once-mighty Roman Empire.
Italian Cockade
Known as the Coccarda italiana tricolore, the cockade of Italy is one of the country’s most recognizable emblems. Folding green, white, and red cloth or ribbon into a plissé produces the cockade. In French, the term for this folding method is plissage (pleating). The green and white are in the middle, while the red and white are on either side of the green.
It’s a symbol of two things at once: revolutions and high achievement. It was a driving force behind the uprisings that led to Italy’s unification. Patriots who took part in the revolution wore this insignia on their lapels and hats.
Globus (Orb/Globe) and Globus Cruciger (The Orb and Cross)
Rome’s ubiquitous emblem, the globus, may be found on monuments and coins across the Roman Empire. The globus is often represented in the Emperor’s hand or beneath his foot in many statues, signifying control over Roman territory acquired.
Many Roman gods, notably Jupiter, are depicted with a globe in their hands or stepping over it, a representation of the gods’ supreme authority over the land. During Rome’s conversion to Christianity, the Globus sign was altered to include a cross. The globus cruciger, as it came to be known and which means “cross-bearing orb,” was a symbol of Christianity’s global expansion.
Canis Lupus Italicus (Italian Wolf)
The Italian wolf is widely accepted as the unofficial symbol of Italy, despite disagreements over whether it should be the country’s official national animal. Also known as the Apennine wolf, these animals inhabit the Apennine Mountains in Italy, where they are the sole major predators and the main wild species.
Romulus and Remus were said to have been breastfed by a female gray wolf and later went on to create Rome. As a result, the Italian wolf is revered as a key figure in Italian mythology. It is becoming increasingly rare to find such wolves in the wild today.
Italia Turrita
A young woman is Italy’s national personification, known as Italia turrita, which means “turreted Italy.” Her mural crown is finished by towers that encircle her bald crown. As an added flourish, the Stella d’Italia and several other emblems of Italy are sometimes shown alongside it.
There is a connection between the towers and ancient Rome. In a way, it’s an allegory for city heraldry in general. Since then, the wall crown has come to symbolize Italian cities. Political, literary, and artistic depictions of Italia turrita have been prevalent for centuries, making it one of the most recognizable and most important symbols of Italy.
Laurel Wreath
Popular in Italy, the laurel wreath originated in Greece. Often pictured with a laurel wreath on his head, Apollo is the Greek god of the sun. In ancient athletic tournaments, such as the Olympics, winners received wreaths as a trophy.
Laurel wreaths were traditionally worn by Roman generals to commemorate their victories in battle and to honour their leadership. Wreaths shown in ancient art frequently had a horseshoe shape, whereas those in modern art have full rings.
David by Michelangelo
Michelangelo created his Renaissance masterpiece, the marble sculpture of David, between 1501 and 1504. One of the most famous images of David’s life is the one in which he stands poised before the monstrous Goliath, ready for a fight.
This piece of art known as the Statue of David is often regarded as a symbol of youthful beauty and vigor. You will find this intriguing statue in Florence, where it is located in the Academia Gallery.
Roman Toga
The Roman toga, a characteristic article of clothing from ancient Rome, was worn as a military cloak and wrapped around one’s torso. When worn over one’s armor, it was a four-cornered piece of cloth with a clasp at the shoulder that symbolized combat. The toga was a sign of peace.
It was customary for the toga’s hue to change according to the setting. Emperors and victorious generals wore purple togas, whereas those in dark colors were worn at funerals. Over time, the togas got more ornate and varied in color, depending on the preference of the person wearing them.
Stella d’Italia
There is no doubt that the Stella d’Italia (Star of Italy) is not just one of the most important symbols of Italy but also among the oldest, dating back to the time of Ancient Greece. According to legend, this star symbolizes the Italian peninsula’s bright future and has done so for numerous centuries. It is also known as Stellone d’Italia or the Great Star of Italy.
The star began to be associated with the Italia turrita, a personification of the country as a whole, in the 16th century. In the mid-20th century, it became a major part of the national symbol of Italy.
The Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
As a symbol of Italy’s independence in the 19th century, the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) was much revered throughout the country. A phase of unity for Italy called the Risorgimento, which began in 1848, and culminated in Italy becoming a kingdom in 1861.
The strawberry tree’s autumn colors (green leaves, red berries, and white flowers) may be seen on the Italian flag. This is also why the strawberry tree is known as the “national tree of Italy.”
The strawberry tree was the subject of a poem by Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli. In it, he recounts the assassination of Prince Pallas by King Turnus. According to the tale in the Latin poetry Aeneid, Pallas sat on the branches of a strawberry tree. Later, he was hailed as the country’s first “national martyr.”