Concept in Definition ABC

The colors of some national flags are used as ornaments in the shape of a rose and with a hanging V-shaped ribbon with the same colors. This decorative object is known by the term rosette, but the word rosette or cucarda is also used.

It is, therefore, an emblem that serves to convey a message patriotic of national exaltation. On the other hand, the cockade is a very widespread decoration in festive events and is also used in the aeronautical sector to show the colors of the companies.

The historical origin of the rosettes is in the French Revolution of 1789

The Parisian revolutionaries who took the Bastille on July 14, 1789 wore two symbols: le drapeau tricolore or tricolor flag with blue, white and red and, at the same time, cockades with the same colors on their clothing. This French national emblem is not the only one, as there are also others that emerged during the stage revolutionary: the rooster, the anthem of the Marseillaise and the female figure of Marianne as representation allegorical of the Republic French.

The French cockade ornament became so popular that within a few years it was adopted by other countries. Thus, the Spanish patriots who defended themselves against the French invaders in the war of the Independence they carried this emblem with the colors of the national flag. In the following years, the American nations that became independent from Spain also incorporated cockades to extol the patriotic pride of the new independent nations.

May 18 in Argentina is Cockade Day

Since 1935 in the Argentine Republic the Day of the Cockade has been celebrated. The blue and white color of the national flag represent the sky and clouds. Among Argentines, this type of adornment began to be used during the independence period. With this symbol members of the army adorned their uniforms without having to wear the national flag as a distinctive.

Other symbols of national exaltation

Most countries have their own symbology in relation to the idea of ​​homeland. Slogans and historical and cultural elements appear on national coats of arms that represent the values ​​of each people. In some cases, animals are part of the national emblems (the golden eagle in Mexico, the Quetzal in Guatemala or the Guardabarranco in Nicaragua are some examples in the context of Latin America).

Photo: Fotolia - Lsantilli