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Symbols of Vinalia

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Symbols of the United Republic of Vinalia is a list of the national symbols of the United Republic of Vinalia, its Constituent states and provinces, and the historical symbols of historic Vinalian states.

Official Emblem

National Flag

The Vinalian national flag

The Vinalian flag, established in 1992 as the flag of the United Republic, is a tricolor with orange, white, and red going from top to bottom; in the center, emblazoned, is a black triangle. The flag was first designed in 1881 as a symbol for the Morechia militia that rose up in rebellion against Chistovodian authorities. It was one of the favorite flags for the Vinalian First Republic, but it was not adopted. It remained an important flag for Vinalians in the next 100 years, being seen as a symbol of a common Vinalian identity dating back to independence. In 1992, it was officially selected as the flag of the Third Republic, despite pushback from Southern authorities. Its main quality for being selected was its relatively well-known aspects in civilian life and little to no involvement in political life. The Vinalian government sought to use a flag not related to either the first or second republics or the People's Republic.

The flag's meaning, as described in the constitution, is that orange represents the Vinalian people, their culture, language, society, and unity. White represents the hope of everlasting peace in the nation. Red represents the blood of the Vinalian people spent in the various wars the nation has been involved in, primarily referencing the civil war that impacted the country; the black triangle represents the Vinalian Juyu Ruwach mountains. The flag's initial symbolism represented Vinalian independence in orange, as it was the color adopted by the Vinalian Independence League, white for the hope of a better future, and red as a symbol of the Red Bay in northern Vinalia. The black triangle represents the mountains of the nation.

The flag has sometimes been interpreted as the Orange of North Vinalia, who had exclusively orange in their flag, being united to the red representing the second republic. Other interpretations state that the orange of the Vinalian people is forever linked to the red of blood spilled during the civil war. Although these are only popular interpretations.

The Vinalian flag is a popular symbol, and has been adopted by Vinalian society, although waving of other flags, primarily the predecessor flags is not uncommon, most prominent is the first republican flag, which shares similar color scheme to the second republic, but has different colors.

(1) Flag of Colonial Vinalia 1635-1861. (2) Flag of the Vinalian Assembly in Chistovinalia 1861-1883. (3) Flag of the First Republic of Vinalia and Vinalian government-in-exile 1883-1926. (4) Flag of the Second Republic of Vinalia 1933-1992. (5) Flag of the People's Republic 1935-1992.

Coat of Arms

The Vinalian national coat of arms

The coat of arms of Vinalia, designed by Artur Denysovych in 1993, depicts the Vinalian flag, but with a black middle and the shape of mountains to the upper and bottom, it signifies the loss of innocence (commonly associated with white) by the nation. Made official in 1993, the ribbon and positioning of the plants changed on December 24, 1994, with the new adoption of a coat of arms inscribed with the national motto.

The coat of arms faced considerable pushback from political circles, with many favoring a continuation of the First republican coat of arms.

The full official description of the coat of arms is as follows:

Blazon: Party per pale gules and vert, a mullet of four points argent.
Supporters: Awreath of coffee, maize, on the left and Sugarcane, Laurel branches vert on th right.
Compartment: A scroll argent with the motto "Нарешті мир" upon it in sable.

Anthem

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The national and state anthem of Vinalia is known by several names. Most prominently as the Chkonia anthem. The anthem dates back to 1861 when it was composed by Devletko Chkonia as a rallying cry by the Vinalian revolutionaries.

It was a popular song, although ultimately it was not selected to serve as the anthem of the First Vinalian Republic, in favor of The blood of our motherland by Svyatoslav Pyatov. It was still popular, and some of its lyrics were incorporated in a 1903 revision of the lyrics. Although the second remained mostly unknown outside of political circles. It was a runner up for the anthem for the People's Republic of Vinalia in 1936, however it was not selected. In the lead up to Vinalian Reunification, it was opted to use the Chkonia anthem rather than the previous republican anthem, as issues regarding the previous anthems length, and lyrics were brought up. Along with connections to the previous Second Republic, which the new government sought to not continue, it joined a drive for new "unified" symbols in a flag, coat of arms, and finally anthem. With a new revision of lyrics by Heorhiy Hornicky, and Katrin Movomedska, in 1993 along with a rename. It was adopted on July 12, 1994.

Motto

The national motto is the famous phrase uttered by future president and Minister-President Vladyslava Danylivna upon the signing of the Treaty of Reunification, the motto reads "Нарешті мир", Peace at last, which was a comment made offhand by Danylivna to a large applause from the crowd. It was made official motto in 1994, despite opposition from various groups in the Vinalian government.

Biology & geology

Animals

Vinalia is a country of distinct Fauna. It has some 13,600 animal species, including at least 753 Bird species, 610 Mammal species, 600 Amphibian species, and 507 Reptile species, of which 2,000 are endemic to Vinalia.

Birds

The Quetzal is a symbol of Vinalia.

Vinalia is home to a wide variety of bird species, estimated at 753 Bird species. The most famous of which is the Quetzal the National animal of Vinalia, dating to the First Republican era. The Quetzal was depicted in the Republican coat of arms, being utilized as a symbol of Vinalian liberty. The animal has connections to the indigenous Tecpan, and Zapoyan populations, with the feathers of the Quetzal having been used as currency in pre-colonial Tonatihcan. Sometimes referred to as the feathered serpent. Cultural importance has been given to the birds red chest, with references made to the red being the blood of Vinalian heroes and soldiers. Illegal hunting of endangered species, which ran rampant in the 60's and 80's, nearly drove the Quetzal to extinction, leading to increased pressure on the government to ensure the safety of the national animal.

The Arucian flamingo is a popular bird, although it does not hold official status as a symbol, its nesting grounds are important tourist sites across the country. Hummingbirds overall hold deep symbolism in indigenous culture, leading to Hummingbirds being important symbols for indigenous groups.

Mammals

Vinalia is home to a variety of mammal species.

There are 610 Mammal species in the country. Vinalia's national aquatic animal is the Arucian manatee, which nests and lives on the coasts of Vinalia's East Arucian coast. The animal is recognized for its calm demeanor, commonly called Sea cows. Issues regarding habitat destruction, hunting, and collisions with human-objects primarily ships have led to conservation concerns. Vinalian authorities named it a national animal in the hopes of improving the species conservation status, which has met some success. It is the only officially recognized Vinalian national animal not to be endemic to the country.

Other mammals of importance include the agouti, Vinalian prairie dog, Desert red bat, Grey Tailed Coyote, Jaguar, Mantled howler, Northern naked-tailed armadillo, Asterian Bison, Bocori and White-headed capuchin. The Jaguar holds deep importance in indigenous mythology and culture, and it is often used to symbolize the indigenous population of the country. The Bocori are distant relatives to the Capybaras in Asteria inferior; the species is endemic to Kishark. Its the provincial animal of the island. Blue whales are known to transverse Vinalian waters each year on their migrations.

Reptiles

Vinalian spiny tailed Iguana

There are 507 Reptile species in the country. The national reptile is the Vinalian Spiny Tailed Iguana, their distinctive feature is the presence of enlarged, spiny scales on the tail. The iguana regularly nests near swamps and river basins. They are recognized to be some of the fastest reptiles on the planet. Other iguanas such as Green, are common sights in Vinalian jungles and parks. Issues regarding habitat loss, and the prevalence of Iguana meat consumption in some rural regions, have led to concerns regarding the conservation of iguanas.

Other important reptiles include the Tziran Giant horned lizard which is the largest horned lizard and is also the most slender, it is seen as a symbol of South Juyu Ruwach province. Other reptiles include the Vinalian helmeted basilisk, Vinalian crocodile, Bin coral snake, Frederick's Gecko, among others.

Others

The national amphibian of Vinalia is the Axolotl, which holds special significance in indigenous mythology, and is endemic to the country. The animal is a popular house pet, and is most well known for their use extensively in scientific research due to their ability to regenerate limbs, gills and parts of their eyes and brains.[1]

Although Vinalia lacks a national fish, several animals, such as the Hammerhead Shark are seen as symbols of Vinalia. The Camponotus Nikolai is the national ant of Vinalia.

The Vinraptor (Vinraptor ostrommaysi) is the national dinosaur of Vinalia. Many provinces in Vinalia have their own dinosaurs and fossils including, Chasmosaurus, Kritosaurus, Struthiomimus, Triceratops, Troodon, and Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Plants

National plants of Vinalia.

The Dahlia specifically the Orange dahlia is the national flower of Vinalia. The tubers were grown as a food crop by the Tecpan, and Zapoyans, but this practice largely died out after the Euclean Conquest. They're a popular garden flower and are seen as symbols of elegance and dignity.

The Vinalian palm is the national tree of Vinalia. They can grow up to 20 meters tall, are extremely salt-tolerant and are often seen growing near the East Arucian Ocean coast. It is one of several palm species that are sometimes used to make heart of palm salad. Heart of palm was commonly eaten by the indigenous inhabitants. It is not endemic to Vinalia, which caused issues upon its announcement as the official tree in 1996.

The national fruit of Vinalia are Avocados, which were declared as such in 1999. Vinalia is one of the largest producers of avocados worldwide. Vinalian avocado producers have popularized the phrase "Avocados from Vinalia", which has sponsored large advertising campaigns in Chistovodia, Cassier, Senria, and Ansan in recent years. Vinalia holds a near monopoly on the avocado consumption of Chistovodia and Soravia, making avocados at times the most prevalent symbol of the country in those nations.

Other plants of importance include the Ceiba, which plays an important part in the mythologies of the pre-colonial Tonatihcan cultures. Important crops such as maize, black beans, and Squash are seen as important plants. As mentioned, coffee, maize, and sugar are represented in the Vinalian coat of arms. Coffee, especially, is seen as a national staple in Vinalian culture. Oranges are an important symbol for Vinalia, although it is not a major crop.

Metals and Minerals

The national element of Vinalia is Vinalium, which in 1801, Soravian Chemist Halyna Marshalkov discovered in Vinalia, it is element number 23 in the Periodic table, it was named however in 1830 by Eldmarkian chemist Nils Gabriel Sefström while working in Vinalia. Vinadinite is the national mineral of Vinalia, coincidentally, the mineral is orange-brown in color. Vinadinite was discovered in the Hromleten volcano, from where Vinalium was discovered, and later isolated in 1830.

History & culture

National personification

Vinalia has commonly been personified after a Quetzal, and an Axolotl. Political cartoons in Chistovinalia styled Vinalia after a Quetzal, while political commentary in the 1960's usually described the Vinalia's as Quetzals. It has been a common symbol to denote the Quetzal's red chest as being bathed in the blood from the Vinalian Civil War, representing Vinalia's forever-lasting connection to the atrocities and deaths suffered during the conflict.

Other personifications include Ivan, a rough-working Vinalian plantation worker, which became popular during the 1910's. Ivan is noted to symbolize the hard work of the agricultural worker and Vinalia's history and role as an agricultural exporter. Usually dressed in simple garments and a straw hat, Ivan is a simple plantation worker with an undisclosed family who works hard to keep his family fed. Rather than representing an ideal picture of Vinalia, it represented the reality for many rural Vinalian families, which relied on crops to subsist. Ivan was most prominently never properly copyrighted, allowing numerous newspapers to make their own interpretations of the character and allowing it to be displayed on numerous backgrounds.

Batʹky-Zasnovnyky

Five main individuals have been recognized as Batʹky-Zasnovnyky (Fathers of the nation), Presidents of the Vinalian Assembly Markiyan Chornovil, and Omelyan Sahaidachny, and presidents Valentyn Goloborodko, Vladyslava Danylivna, and Oleksandr Artemovych.

Chornovil was the political face of the Vinalian revolutionaries who fought in the Chistovinalia War of Independence, which sought independence from Soravia. An important supporter of the federation he was elected and led the Vinalian Assembly from 1863 to 1873. Chornovil faced criticism and censoring during the Vinalian War of independence, due to his continued support of the Federation, leading to his exile and eventual death in 1900 in Chistovodia. Chornovil was rehabilitated in 1910, during the presidency of Davyd Dragomanov, leading to a reanalysis of his political career. Chornovil is seen as a complicated figure due to his involvement in preventing eventual Vinalian independence, yet his role in establishing a "Vinalian identity" cannot be understated.

Sahaidachny was the 3rd president of the Vinalian Assembly and led the main efforts by the Vinalian Revolutionary Front to obtain independence following his removal from power in the assembly. Sahaidachny was the first to sign the Vinalian declaration of independence, and was seen as the face of the entire movement. Sahaidachny's death in 1885, cemented a myth of a Martyr although he died of natural causes, completely separated from the war. He is a popular figure seen as a revolutionary leader of the Republic.

Goloborodko was the direct successor to Sahaidachny and was elected to be the first president of the republic. A revolutionary leader and fighter during the war of independence. Goloborodko is characterized as building the republican institutions of Vinalia, and as an important statesmen. Goloborodko defined and maintained Vinalian independence in regards to Chistovodia, a key important economic partner. Goloborodko is referenced by the Presidential oath, denoting his political career.

Both Danylivna and Artemovych are characterized as being mother and father of modern Vinalia, as they reunited the country, each in their respective positions of power in South and North Vinalia. Danylivna was the unified republics first president, then second Minister-President, before returning to her role as president. Danylivna was the main leader in the movement to democratize South Vinalia, her injuries suffered during 1987, cemented her as a martyr and the face of the South Vinalian struggle for democracy. Her iron will to reunify the republic, and post-reunification political career cemented her as a face of modern Vinalian identity and political landscape. She has received criticism particularly from Socialists elements, who criticize her post-war sale of former North Vinalian government assets, in a drive for Privatization.

Artemovych served as the countries first Minister-President, and second president, his political career characterized by his involvement in the Danylivna government. Artemovych is seen as a critical person due to his direct control on the transition of the North Vinalian government, economy, and culture to allow for a unified Vinalian state. He is recognized as a capable statesmen for maneuvering around the needs of Chistovodia, Valduvia, Soravia, and the Asterian Federative Republic in creating the suitable conditions to reestablish an unified republic.

Other people

There are several figures from Vinalian history, who are recognized as having an important role in defining Vinalian history, and statehood. This list includes, among others:

  • Dario Salino, important colonial artist. Most prominent showcase of Vinalian colonial art.
  • Stefan Danylivna, president of South Vinalia, was overthrown in a military coup in 1968. He is marked as a martyr for his death in a South Vinalian prison in 1972. He was a symbol for the South Vinalian struggle for democracy and liberty.
  • Mykyta Kryvonis, first Minister-President of North Vinalia, and leader in the First Vinalian Civil War. Seen as a figure of North Vinalia, and Vinalian socialism. Although his involvement in splitting the republic has created widespread controversy about his figure.
  • King Teyaticue, last Emperor of the Calkhun empire. Seen as an indigenous hero for fighting colonial control.
  • Vadym Oksamit, president of the Vinalian assembly, a war hero and important statesman. Respected for his opposition to the reduction of Vinalian autonomy against Chistovinalia. An important member of the Vinalian Revolutionary Front (VRF), he was a signatory to the Declaration of Independence.

Natural sites and buildings

Cultural objects

National days

Vinalia celebrates four official national days, although several other days of importance characterized as "national days" are celebrated. Different aspects are celebrated for each one. Vinalia is unique in having four official national days. Efforts to reduce it to a single day or two have met opposition, although July is seen by many as the "patriotic" month. One of the reasons for so many national days was the individual holidays celebrated by both North and South Vinalia, as North Vinalia celebrated three national holidays while the South celebrated only two. For many Vinalians, celebrating the national day on January 1st, would remove importance from the holiday due to the festivities around the new year. The governments decision to recognize the signing of the treaty on July 25 does not have the emotional impact of the formal reunification. For many, celebrating the Republican days of independence from Chistovodia and Soravia has been seen as unnecessary by some, who would prefer emphasis on the reunified Vinalian identity.

Celebrations regarding the Feast day of St. Hippodalia on October 7th has been characterized by some as a national day, primarily in South Vinalia, while the day of the Revolution on November XX, is celebrated in North Vinalia.

Days characterized as National Days are as follows:

Date Name Native Name Official National day North Vinalian National Day South Vinalian National Day Notes
January 1 New Year's Day Новий рік;Novyy rik No No No Official day of Vinalian Reunification in 1993.
May 5 Separation day День розлуки;Denʹ rozluky Yes Yes Yes Commemorate the separation of Vinalia from Chistovodia.
July 12 Peace Day день миру;Denʹ myru Yes No No Celebrate peace in Vinalia, following the Treaty of Vina which ended the 10 Day War in 1987.
July 25 Reunification Day День возз’єднання;Denʹ vozzʺyednannya Yes No No Celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Vinalian Reunification, reunifying North and South Vinalia.
September 1 Independence Day день Незалежності;Denʹ Nezalezhnosti Yes Yes Yes Celebrate the independence of Vinalia as part of Chistovodia from Soravia.
October 7 Feast day of St. Hippodalia День святої Іпподалії;Denʹ svyatoyi Ippodaliyi No No No Feast day of the Patron Saint of Vinalia, Hippodalia.
November XX Day of the Revolution день революції;denʹ revolyutsiyi No Yes No Day of the Vinalian Revolution

References

  1. Weird Creatures with Elber Galarga, Canal de Ciência, 2009-10-30, event occurs at 00:24