The Symbolism of Catalan Nationalism: Origin, Preservation and Transformation

National symbols, such as flags, coats of arms and holidays are an essential part of national identity and a fundamental tool for forging collective identity. Catalan intellectuals who participated in the Renaixença movement with a view to reviving the Catalan language and literature sought to establish Catalan national symbols in the second half of the 19th century, although it was not until 1920s that the symbols system of Catalan nationalism was fully developed. The symbols of the rich and diverse Catalan cultural heritage include the National Day of Catalonia, or Diada (September 11th), the senyera flag, the anthem «Els Segadors», the sardana dance, the traditional hat called the barretina, the Montserrat Abbey and mountain, the cult of Saint George. When Miguel Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship was established in Spain in 1923, restrictions were imposed on Catalan intellectuals, which affected their professional life and the development of the whole region. The situation changed in 1931 when the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed and the country experienced a cultural boom. Following the victory in the Civil War of 1936–1939, Franco’s regime implemented a repressive policy towards Catalonia, its cultural autonomy, language and traditions. As a result of the measures taken to unify and centralize the state many Catalan symbols took on a tragic meaning. The democratic transition, the new cultural boom and the liberal discourse that dominates contemporary Spain marked a new stage in the evolution of Catalan symbols. The national symbols that emerged in the second half of the 19th century and early 20th century are still important for Catalan society, its identity, historical and cultural heritage.