Researcher Miguel Metelo de Seixas launches the book Emblemas de Portugal, published by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation.

The presentation will take place on December 4th at the Carmo Archaeological Museum at 6:30 pm, in the form of a debate on the theme “A força dos emblemas: Portugal em símbolos”, in which historians Bernardo Vasconcelos e Sousa, Nuno Gonçalo Monteiro and Rui Ramos, moderated by journalist Filipa Melo, will question the author.

Zé-Povinho, Our Blessed Virgin Mother, rooster of Barcelos, red carnation, armillary sphere? What do these symbols share?

They are all shaped by official institutions and arise spontaneously in society. Symbols are crucial in defining and uniting a community, promoting a sense of political cohesion rich in social and cultural connections. This results in a shared past and a future characterized by ongoing unity.

This work offers a profound reflection on the meaning of national emblems as carriers of profound meanings, influencing identities, beliefs and the very structure of social interactions.