New England Online > National Symbols of New England
National Symbols
New England has a variety of national symbols and emblems. Most were adopted during and just after the Civil War as New England attempted to establish itself as a separate and unique identity to Australia. There has always been an emphasis on native flora and fauna, but many of symbols are introduced (like the Sheep) or not present at all (the lion). The origins of these symbols has much more cultural significance than some of the native symbols that have been adopted later.
The New England Lion (pictured right) is a major national symbol of New England. It embodies the nations tenacious determination and desire for independence. The New England Lion is used on all government correspondence, and all departments use the lion in their logos.
- The Flag
- The Coat of Arms
- The National Anthem
- National Animal
- National Bird
- National Flower
- National Colours
National Animal
The National Animal of New England is the Domestic Sheep (Ovis aries). The New England region was first settled by europeans searching for land that would be suitable for woolgrowing. The Sheep has long been a symbol of the region as wool became the chief export of the area. This symbolism has been continued, and the Sheep is now recognised culturally as the most important animal in the country.
The most popular breeds of Sheep are (in order): Merino, Romney, Suffolk, Border Leicester and Rambouillet
Because they are not native animals, Sheep are not protected by the Official Symbols Act. Within the limits of the Humane Treatment Act, Sheep may be bought, sold and eaten. It is no surprise that New Englander's eat mutton and lamb more than any other meat.
National Bird
The National Bird of New England is the Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla). It is one of the most common and widespread cockatoos and occupies open country in almost all parts of mainland Australia. Galahs have a pale to mid grey back, a pink face and chest, and a lighter pink crest.
In colonial times, there are stories of Galahs being used as food by poorer settlers when all other supplies had run down or were spoiled. The Galah also came to be associated with hooligan behaviour, with people said to be 'acting like a Galah' whenever they were loud or obnoxious. When the Kingdom was established in 2006, the Galah was used as the symbol of the nations independence movement, as it was seen as a defiant sign of independence, boisterousness and self determination.
The Galah is common feature in most parts of the Kingdom, and is fondly thought after by New Englanders, despite the birds raucous manner and occasionally destructive habits. The bird is protected under the Official Symbols Act, and it is an offence to harm, capture or export Galahs.
National Flower
The National Flower of New England is the Paper Daisy (Brachyscome nova-anglica), a perennial herbacous plant found over the midlands and western slopes of the country. With its beautiful flowers and small distribution, the Paper Daisy was an easy choice for our national floral emblem.
Like the Galah, the Paper Daisy was used during the civil war as a symbol of our independence, especially when used as a replacement for the Golden Wattle, Australia's national flower. After independence, the Paper Daisy was protected under the Official Symbols Act alongside the other national symbols. Today, the Paper Daisy is common across elevated regions of the Kingdom, as is grown in many gardens and parks. Paintings, carvings and ornaments often feature the flower as a symbol of our nationhood.
National Colours
The National Colours are used to identify New England in many different arenas from sports, to art and to military aircraft. The colours are those used on the National Flag. A number of private companies and government departments use the colours to identify themselves. In fact Blue and Gold are the two most used colours in the country. Both are also more popular as favourite colours amongst the people.
The colours are Navy Blue (#000080) and Tangerine Yellow (#FFCC00).
