Symbols of Nations and Nationalism explores the significance of national symbols and ceremonies in the building of nations. Nations come into being by stages, marked by the adoption of national symbols and ceremonies that reflect significant events. Nation-building can therefore be traced alongside the process of adopting, introducing, altering, abolishing and re-establishing flags, anthems and national days. This book identifies distinct symbolic regimes founded on 'pre-modern', 'modern' and 'post-imperial' narratives that, in turn, are linked to specific flag and national day designs. National symbolism usually embellishes the past as it justifies nations and states in the present. However, divisive historical and territorial claims have recently given rise to post-historical or counter-nationalist narratives that avoid reference to the past altogether. National flags and national days are especially central images of nationhood and used to represent, justify, control and glorify nations. The use of flags and participation in ceremonies help symbolize commonality and the imagined oneness of nations but such notions can also become highly divisive.

National ceremonies and national day design have therefore become of great importance for nation builders and policy makers in multi-national and multi-ethnic states.