The Eiffel Tower
You see it absolutely everywhere in the city, the Eiffel Tower; it’s also on practically everything. It’s one of the major symbols of Paris! Boxed chocolates, key chains, and other paraphernalia on the blankets of a street hawker, even on the shirts of the most famous soccer club from the city. For us, when we visit Paris, the Eiffel Tower is our signal of having actually ‘arrived’ in Paris. We always joke about who see’s it first.
Georgia’s Peach Symbol
Paris is not the only city that has a symbol like that. Sometimes it’s an official symbol of the town; sometimes, it’s born out of the culture of the people. I grew up in a state that had the peach on everything. I might even have a t-shirt with peach on it.
The Rhine Tower
The German city of Düsseldorf, like Paris, has a towering symbol that you can see from all over the city. It’s on souvenirs and logos of city’s varios organizations: the Rheinturm, or Rhine Tower. It’s a former tv tower that now features a restaurant with a rotating floor. On a clear day, you can see beyond the nearby city of Cologne.
The Warsaw Mermaid
In Warsaw, Poland, the symbol is a mermaid. Legend has it she was the heroine who saved the city from pirate plundering. What’s great about this symbol is that there are many stories that are considered to be at the heart of this symbol. Syrenka Warszawska, or the Mermaid of Warsaw, is featured on the city’s coat of arms can be found in all corners of the city. One of the more famous ones is in the main square of Old Town.
Singapore’s Merlion Symbol
In Singapore, another seemingly mythical creature symbolizes the people, city, and state: the Merlion. However, there’s no legend behind this animal of sea and land. The Merlion symbolizes the origins of the town, a fishing village by the name of Temasek, meaning ‘sea town.’ It eventually grew into the city-state Singapura, meaning lion’s head.
Lakeland Swans
Whether you’re a native of Lakeland, a visitor, or just moving to the area, you’ve probably noticed the beautiful swans on Lake Morton. They’re such a part of our beloved city that the swan has become Lakeland’s mascot with statues of swans at every turn and pictures in every brochure.
I love all the stories that these symbols represent. They tell you about the history of a place. There is always something to learn when you travel, no matter where you go.
What is your favorite city symbol?
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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