The national symbols of Peru, also known as patriotic symbols, are the emblems that officially represent the Republic of Peru. They are recognized and used both nationally and internationally to represent the Peruvian nation and its citizens. According to Article 49 of the Political Constitution of Peru:
The flag of Peru is a rectangular cloth composed of three vertical bands of equal width, with the side bands in red and the central band in white. The first flag of independent Peru was created by General José de San Martín in 1820 and was first displayed as a symbol of freedom in the Plaza Mayor of Lima on July 28, 1821, during the proclamation of independence. Although the original design of this first flag was different from the current one, the colors red and white have remained.
The coat of arms of Peru is the official heraldic symbol of the country, used by the Peruvian State and other public institutions. The current version was approved by the Constituent Congress in 1825 and ratified on March 31, 1950. The elements of the coat of arms represent Peru's natural resources: the vicuña symbolizes the animal kingdom, the cinchona tree represents the plant kingdom, and the cornucopia symbolizes the mineral kingdom. The crowns represent victory. The cinchona tree is especially significant because its bark was used to cure malaria, which affected the Peruvian people.
The National Anthem of Peru, with lyrics by José de la Torre Ugarte and music composed by José Bernardo Alcedo, was adopted in 1821 under the title of the National March of Peru. The current version, arranged by musician Claudio Rebagliati, was adopted in 1869 and was officially recognized in 1901.
Although not recognized as "symbols of the homeland" in the Peruvian Constitution, there are other elements that, due to their widespread use and the representativeness they have over cultural aspects of the Peruvian population, are perceived as signs of identity.
The rosette of Peru is a national emblem for Peruvians, with colors arranged in the same manner as the national flag. It has been an important symbol throughout the republican history of Peru and is commonly worn on the left side of the chest throughout the month of July, especially on the 28th, in celebration of the National Holidays. This tradition is observed both in state institutions and some private ones across the country. Although it is a significant symbol, the current Peruvian Constitution does not recognize it as an official national symbol.