In recent years more national symbols have been appearing in public places, particularly in the form of ‘patriotic clothing’ incorporating national symbols in the design. We asked people what they thought about this, in which situations it was justified and when it was a misappropriation.

Unsurprisingly, official national events were the least controversial situations, with just about nobody being against the use in them of the flag and the national emblem. Also extremely widespread (82%) was the acceptance of the use of these symbols during sporting events. More controversial proved to be their use on cars (62% acceptance), everyday items (51%) and clothing (50%). Less than half of the people asked (41%) approved of their use during political demonstrations, while by far the least (26%) were favourably inclined towards tattoos that made use of national symbols.

In most cases younger people were more relaxed about the use made of the national colours and emblem than were the older people questioned. This was particularly clear in relation to tattoos, but also to supporting the national team and to everyday items. People with right-wing views were more often in favour of displaying the national colours in everyday situations on clothing or cars and also approved somewhat more often of their use by sports fans. It is worth noticing, however, that those who identified themselves as right-wing were more often critical of using the flag and the national emblem during political demonstrations.