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1. What information in the text "The Symbols of Australia” is new for you?
2. When is the annual Australian National Flag Day marked?
3. Is the material in the text "Symbols of Australia actual and up-to-date? Give your comments.
4. Why do you think students should read additional materials?
The present Australian flag can be considered to consist of three main elements: Union jack
The
Union Jack in the
upper hoist quadrant or first quarter (also know as the Canton),
denoting Australia's historical links with Great Britain. The Union
Jack itself is composed of red and white intersecting, vertical and
diagonal crosses on a blue background.
Southern Cross
The Southern
Cross in the second quarter (also known as
the top or head) and fourth quarter. Consists of five stars in a more
or less kite-like pattern - Alpha Crucis
(7-point), Beta Crucis
(7-point), Gamma Crucis
(7-point), Delta Crucis
(7-point) and the smaller Epsilon Crucis
(5-point). The outer diameter of each of the 4 major stars is 1/7 the
width of the fly and the inner diameter is 4/9 outer diameter; the
diameter of Epsilon Crucis
is 1/12 the width of the fly and the inner diameter is 4/9 the outer
diameter. The constellation of the Southern
Cross is a significant navigational
feature of the southern hemisphere, strongly places Australia
geographically and has been associated with the continent since its
earliest days.
Commonwealth Star (Star of Federation)
The Commonwealth Star or Star of Federation, central in the third quarter or lower hoist, has seven points to denote the six states and the combined territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. The seventh point was added in 1909. The outer diameter is 3/10 the width of the Union Jack (3/5 the width of the fly) and the inner diameter is 4/9 the outer diameter.
Flag Day. In 1996, theGovernor -General, issued a proclamation establishing an annual Australian National Flag Day, to be held on 3 September.Flag Day celebrations had been occurring in Sydney since 1985. Australian National Flag Day is not a public holiday.
The Coat of Arms of Australia
The coat of arms of Australia (formally known as Commonwealth Coat of Arms) is the official symbol of Australia. The initial coat of arms was granted by King Edward VII on 7 May 1908, and the current version was granted by King George V on 19 September 1912, although the 1908 version continued to be used in some contexts, notably appearing on the sixpenny coin until 1966.
In the top half, from left to right, the states represented are:New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. In the bottom half, from left to right:South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. Above the shield is the seven-pointed Commonwealth Starr or Star of Federation above a blue and gold wreath, forming the crest. Six of the points on the star represent the original six states, while the seventh point represents the combined territories and any future states of Australia. In its entirety the shield represents the federation of Australia.
The Red Kangaroo and Emu that support the shield are the unofficial animal emblems of the nation. They owe this recognition to the fact that they are native Australian fauna (found only on that continent), and likely chosen because they are the most well-known native Australian animals large enough to be positioned together in scale holding up the shield. It is often claimed these animals were chosen because neither animal can move backward, only forward - i.e. progress. In reality both animals can move backwards, but infrequently do. In the background is wreath of Golden Wattle, the official national floral emblem, though the representation of the species is not botanically accurate] At the bottom of the coat of arms is a scroll that contains the name of the nation. Neither the wreath of wattle nor the scroll are technically part of the official design described on the Royal Warrant that grants the armorial design.
The coat of arms is used to identify Australian government authority and property and accordingly the coat of arms should never be used where it could wrongly imply a formal guarantee, sponsorship or endorsement by the Commonwealth. Use of the arms by private citizens or organisations is rarely permitted; however, there are provisions for use by sporting bodies and in educational publications. The import of goods bearing the arms is also illegal according Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations. . The coat of arms is the basis of the Queen's Personal Australian Flag, and since 1973 a slightly modified version has formed the basis of the Great Seal of Australia.
The Anthem: “Advance Australia Fair”
"Advance Australia Fair" is the official national anthem of Australia. Created by the Scottish-born composer, Peter Dodds McCormick the song was first performed in 1878, but did not gain its status as the official anthem until 1984. Until then, the song was sung in Australia as a patriotic song. In order for the song to become the anthem, it had to face a vote between the Royal anthemGod Save the Queen, the "unofficial anthem"Waltzing Matilda andSong of Australia. Other songs and marches have been influenced by Advance Australia Fair, such as the Australian Vice-Regal salute. Actually" Advance Australia Fair" was composed by Peter Dodds McCormick under the pen-name "Amicus" (which means "friend" in Latin), in the late 19th century, and first performed by Andrew Fairfax at a Highland Society function in Sydney on 30 November 1878. The song quickly gained popularity and an amended version was sung by a choir of 10,000 at the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January 1901. In 1907 the Australian Government awarded McCormick £100 for his composition. Before its adoption as Australia's national anthem, Advance Australia Fair saw considerable use elsewhere. For example, Australia's national broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Commission, used it to announce its news bulletins until 1952. It was also frequently played at the start or end of official functions. Towards the end of World War II, it was played in picture theatres after "God Save the Queen" and the American National anthem.
TEXT 15
New Zealand