Ms Beautifulsmile: THE UK: SYMBOLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

❤NOW ACTIVITY

❤THE UNION JACK

In the 16th century the flag was the British flag or the flag of Britain. It included the red cross of St George (England) and the blue saltire of St Andrews (Scotland).

The name "Union" first appeared in 1625.

The first version of the flag was created in 1606, with the English and Scottish flags.
In 1801 the Union Jack incorporated the cross of St. Patrick (Ireland). The Welsh flag was never incorporated into the Union Jack because it was already a principality of England.

❤NOW DOWNLOAD, PRINT, CUT, PASTE, COMPLETE, COLOUR, STUDY these 2 files containing flags, symbols, coat of arms, capitals, patron saints of the UK 👇

SYMBOLS OF THE UK

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE UK

❤The UK’s National EMBLEMS

ENGLAND

The national flower of England is the TUDOR ROSE. It was adopted by Henry VII as England’s emblem of peace at the end of the War of the Roses, the civil wars (1455-1485) between the House of Lancaster (red rose) and the House of York (white rose).

Saint George's Cross

The rose

Saint George and the dragon

SCOTLAND

The national flower of Scotland is the THISTLE (cardo). It was first used in the 15th century as a symbol of defence. Thistles aren't just found in gardens, parks and in the countryside. You will see this emblem cropping up (= spuntare, saltare fuori) all over Scotland, from the strip of the international rugby team and football clubs to the uniforms of police officers.

Saint Andrew’s cross

The thistle

Saint Andrew

WALES

The DAFFODIL (narciso giallo) and the LEEK (porro) are the iconic symbols of Wales. People wear leeks or daffodils for St David's Day, as both these plants are associated with this popular festival.

The flag of Wales

The daffodil

The leek

Saint David

NORTHERN IRELAND

The national ﬂower of Northern Ireland is the SHAMROCK, a three-leaved plant similar to a clover (= trifoglio). The shamrock was thought to have mystical properties. It is believed that St Patrick used the shamrock to illustrate the Christian teachings of the Holy Trinity.

Saint Patrick's Flag

The shamrock

Saint patrick

❤National Anthem of the United Kingdom (new): GOD SAVE THE KING!

God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King.
Thy choicest gifts in store
On him be pleased to pour,
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the King.
ROYAL COAT OF ARMS OF THE UK

❤THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IN THE UK

Constitutional framework:

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy (with King Charles III as head of State, head of the Church of England, head of the armed forces, head of COMMONWEALTH) and a parliamentary democracy (with Parliament as the legislative organ) the head of government is the prime minister (Rishi Sunak), who is the leader of the majority political party in the House of Commons.

Parliament is bicameral, with an upper chamber, the House of Lords and a lower chamber, the House of Commons. The prime minister and cabinet lead the executive. Parliamentary elections are held every five years, with universal adult suffrage.