The symbols of Brussels are the objects, images, or cultural expressions that are emblematic, representative, or otherwise characteristic of Brussels or Brussels culture. As a rule, these national symbols are cultural icons that have emerged from Brusselian folklore and tradition, meaning few have any official status. However, most if not all maintain recognition at a national or international level, and some, such as the flag of the Brussels-Capital Region, have been codified in, and are established, official, and recognised symbols of Brussels.
The Meyboom is an annual tradition in Brussels dating back to the 13th century, featuring the planting of a symbolic maypole on August 9 to celebrate the city's folklore.
The Royal Theatre Toone is a typical puppet theater, playing in the local dialect, with a legacy dating back to 1830. Renowned for its commitment to traditional Brussels-style puppetry known as poechenelle.
The Manneken-Pis is a bronze statue depicting a small boy urinating into a fountain. It is recognized as depicting the playful spirit of the Brusselians known as zwanze and historical tradition of being adorned in diverse costumes reflecting various themes and events.
The yellow iris, Brussels' floral emblem. Legend has it that during the time of the Dukes of Brabant in the 11th and 12th centuries, the duke's men on horseback navigated marshes by following spots where irises grew, gaining an advantage over opponents who got stuck in the unfamiliar terrain during an assault.[3]
Colijn Caillieu (c. 1430-1440 - 1503) served as the first poet of Brussels from 1474 to 1485 and was the factor of a number of chambers of rhetoric. Surviving works include Tdal sonder wederkeeren and Vrou Margriete. Experts often identify him with Colijn van Rijssele, possibly the author of De Spiegel Der Minnen and the play Van Narcissus ende Echo.
Michel de Ghelderode (Adémar Adolphe Louis Martens, 1898–1962): avant-garde dramatist who wrote in French. Known for exploring the extremes of human experience, one of his notable works is the play Pantagleize, which reflects his thematic range by addressing societal absurdities and the human condition.
Hergé (Georges Prosper Remi, 1907–1983): cartoonist known for creating the iconic series The Adventures of Tintin, considered one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century.
Jean d'Osta (Jean Van Osta, 1909–1993): writer, journalist, and humorist known for his works on Brussels and its dialect, Brusselian. He created the popular character Jef Kazak, featured in Belgian magazines Pourquoi Pas? and Vlan.
Toots Thielemans (Jean-Baptiste Frédéric Isidor, Baron Thielemans, 1922 – 2016): jazzharmonicist, guitarist, and whistler, renowned for his remarkable contributions to the world of jazz and his iconic harmonica solos.
Annie Cordy (Léonie Juliana, Baroness Cooreman, 1928 – 2020) singer, actress, and comedian renowned for her vibrant stage presence and a prolific career that encompassed music, film, and theater.
Grand Jojo (Jules Jean Vanobbergen, 1936 – 2021): singer-songwriter known for his comedic and festive music.
Herkenbald was a legendary magistrate of Brussels who is said to have lived in the around 1020. He was considered the example of an incorruptible judge.
Pogge den Boer (Pierre De Cruyer, 1821-1890): folk hero, revered for his honesty, strong sense of justice, and dedication to doing good. He became highly esteemed for his ability to address local issues with his consistent mantra, "Alles es just" lit.'Everything is fine'.[4]
The Fontaine d'Amour or Minnebron, is a spring in Josaphat Park named after a legend about a noblewoman, Herlinde, who drowned herself there after her lover, Theobald, was called to war and never returned. According to local belief, if two lovers drink from the spring together, they will be united before the year's end.[5][6][7]
The Grand Place, is a historically significant and Brussels' central square known for its well-preserved medieval and baroque architecture, prominently featuring the Town Hall and guildhalls. The square serves as a venue for various events, cultural festivals, and markets, contributing to its status as a central gathering place with a diverse array of activities throughout the year.
The Atomium, a symbolic 103 m-tall (338 ft) modernist structure built for Expo 58. It consists of nine steel spheres connected by tubes, and forms a model of an ironcrystal magnified 165 billion times.
Art Nouveau, prominent art style in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is characterized by ornate and organic designs. Architects such as Victor Horta and Henry van de Velde significantly contributed to the city's artistic landscape, leaving a lasting impact with their buildings and decorative arts featuring flowing lines and nature-inspired motifs.
The Sonian Forest, is a large and ancient forest located southeast of Brussels. Stretching across the three federal regions of Belgium, the forest is characterized by diverse ecosystems, including beech and oak woodlands, and is a significant natural and recreational area for residents and visitors.
The coat of arms of the City of Brussels shows two lions on a grassy mount supporting a red shield. The motif of the escutcheon is a golden Archangel Michael (the patron saint of Brussels) slaying a black Devil by piercing it with a spear shaped like a cross. Other elements include two crossed flags behind the shield; one showing a lion on a black field and the other repeating the motif of the shield on a red field.
A lesser version of the coat of arms which includes the shield only, is also common.
The municipal flag of Brussels (City of Brussels), as flown from the Town Hall and other buildings is a rectangle, divided horizontally with green over red, with a very large version of the municipal logotype in the centre, and a stylised, disc-shaped silhouette of St. Michael trampling the devil, in dark yellow. It is essentially the same motif as the coat of arms.
