The tricolor flag
The "tricolor" (three-color) flag is an emblem of the Fifth Republic. It had its origins in the union, at the time of the French Revolution, of the colours of the King (white) and the City of Paris (blue and red). Today, the "tricolor" flies over all public buildings. It is flown at most official ceremonies, both civil and military.
Marianne
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Marianne is present everywhere in France and holds a place of honor in town halls and law courts. She symbolizes the "Triumph of the Republic", a bronze sculpture overlooking Place de la Nation in Paris. Her profile is engraved on coins (Euro cent) and drawn on stamps. As for the official busts, during the last thirty years she has taken on the features of Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve and, currently, those of the famous French fashion model, Inès de la Fressange and recently choosen Laeticia Casta.
Gallic Rooster
The rooster featured on coins in ancient Gaul. By a play on words (the Latin word "gallus" means both rooster and Gaul), it came to stand as a symbol of Gaul and the Gauls. Today the French Republic prefers the symbol of Marianne. It is utilized mainly outside France to refer to France, especially in international sporting events.
Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) National Motto
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A legacy of the Age of Enlightenment, the motto "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité" first appeared during the French Revolution. Although it was often called into question, it finally established itself under the Third Republic. It was written into the 1958 Constitution and is part nowadays of the French national heritage. It is found on items used by the general public such as coins (French Euro) and postage stamps.
The Marseillaise National anthem
La Marseillaise started life as a revolutionary battle song and a hymn to freedom. It gradually gained acceptance as a national anthem. Following the French declaration of war on Austria in 1792, Rouget de Lisle, a French officer stationed in Strasbourg, composed the "Battle Song of the Army of the Rhine" during the night of April 25-26, in the home of citizen Dietrich, the Mayor of the city. The song was taken up by the fédérés (volunteers) from Marseilles who took part in the Tuileries insurrection on August 10, 1792. It proved so successful it was declared a national song on July 14, 1795. Banned under the Empire and the Restoration, La Marseillaise was reinstated by the July Revolution of 1830, and Hector Berlioz orchestrated the music, dedicating his composition to Rouget de Lisle. The Third Republic (1879) established it as the French national anthem, and in 1887 an "official version" was adopted by the Ministry of War following the recommendation of a specially-appointed commission. The Words 1. Allons enfants de la patrie, Le jour de gloire est arrivé! Contre nous de la tyrannie, L'étendard sanglant est levé! L'étendard sanglant est levé! Entendez-vous dans nos campagnes Mugir ces féroces soldats? Qui viennent jusque dans nos bras Egorger nos fils et nos compagnes! 1. Arise you children of our motherland, Oh now is here our glorious day ! Over us the bloodstained banner Of tyranny holds sway ! Of tyranny holds sway ! Oh, do you hear there in our fields The roar of those fierce fighting men ? Who came right here into our midst To slaughter sons, wives and kin. Refrain Aux armes citoyens! Formez vos bataillons! Marchons, marchons, Qu'un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons! chorus To arms, oh citizens ! Form up in serried ranks ! March on, march on ! And drench our fields With their tainted blood ! 2. Amour sacré de la patrie, Conduis, soutiens nos bras vengeurs! Liberté, Liberté chérie, Combats avec tes défenseurs! Combats avec tes défenseurs! Sous nos drapeaux, que la victoire Accoure à tes mâles accents! Que tes ennemis expirants Voient ton triomphe et notre gloire! (refrain) 2. Supreme devotion to our Motherland, Guides and sustains avenging hands. Liberty, oh dearest Liberty, Come fight with your shielding bands, Come fight with your shielding bands ! Beneath our banner come, oh Victory, Run at your soul-stirring cry. Oh come, come see your foes now die, Witness your pride and our glory. (chorus) 3. Nous entrerons dans la carrière Quand nos ainés n'y serons plus; Nous y trouverons leur poussière Et la trace de leurs vertus. Et la trace de leurs vertus. Bien moins jaloux de leur survivre Que de partager leur cercueil, Nous aurons le sublime orgueil De les venger ou de les suivre! (refrain) 3. Into the fight we too shall enter, When our fathers are dead and gone, We shall find their bones laid down to rest, With the fame of their glories won, With the fame of their glories won ! Oh, to survive them care we not, Glad are we to share their grave, Great honor is to be our lot To follow or to venge our brave. (chorus)