FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE - EXPERIENCING THE NATION IN EVERYDAY LIFE

This article discusses how the concept of banal nationalism can enable theories of national identity to be related to the lives of ordinary people. It links this concept to three key areas, the body, food and t he landscape arguing that these are as much 'flags of identity' as are the more obvious symbols of national belonging: coins, costumes, anth ems and ceremonies. It further states that these flags provide a syste m of reference within which aspects of the material world are used, co nsumed and experienced. It is, therefore, important to consider how th is system operates so that a better understanding can be gained into h ow a sense of belonging and identity is communicated and maintained.