ABSTRACT
For many modernist theorists of nationalism, symbols and ceremonies belong to the world of myths and legends and are of marginal importance. I wish to argue to the contrary: symbolism is, as far as nationhood is concerned, as important as economic and political factors. Social life is a repository of symbols and ceremonies, whether in the form of totems, golden ages, flags, heroes, icons, capitals, statues, war memorials, football teams, national festivities or ceremonies, which are symbolic markers of national groups. Symbols and ceremonials provide shortcuts to the community they represent; they are by nature self-referential, subjective and boundary-creating (Mosse 1990; Cohen 1995; Armstrong 1982). Symbols and ceremonies are also public; they are manifested or performed in a public space. Moreover, national symbols and ceremonies provide us with a powerful testimony about the persistence of nations and the appeal of nationhood.
