Marianne - A Symbol of French Freedom and The Republic

 MARINANNA

As you stroll through the streets of Paris, a coin slips from your hand and rolls into the cracks between the cobblestones. You bend down to pick it up and notice a mysterious female figure engraved on its surface. 

She wears a Phrygian cap, her gaze strong and determined. 

Who is she? 

She is not a queen, nor a goddess from mythology, but the most important symbol of France—Marianne.

'La Liberté guidant le peuple (Liberty Leading the People) ' by Eugène Delacroix, 1830.

Marianne is more than just a symbol of the French Republic—she can be found on coins, stamps, and official government emblems. She represents liberty, equality, and fraternity, forming a key part of France’s national identity.

The origin of Mariana - the French Revolution

Marianne's origins trace back to the French Revolution. During the French Revolution, the people overthrew the monarchy and established a republic. They needed a symbol to display the values of Liberté (Freedom), Égalité (Equality), Fraternité (Fraternity) and represent the new government. 

Marie and Anne were two of the most common first names in the 18 century France, especially in rural France and among the working class. Thus, Marianne was used to represent the people and, at times, the Republic itself. 

The below video vividly presents information about Mariana for us.

Marianne is often depicted as a woman wearing a Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom and democracy. Today, each French government selects a new female figure to represent Marianne, with models and actresses like Brigitte Bardot and Laetitia Casta taking on the role.

But interestingly, France still faces issues of social inequality. Though Marianne embodies female empowerment, women in France continue to encounter challenges in the workplace and politics. Does this ironic reality suggest that the revolution is not yet over?

word count: 268

Reference and links:

• I acknowledge the use of AI tools (ChatGPT and Deepseek) to brainstorming and polish the language.
• https://frenchmoments.eu/marianne-and-the-french-republic/#t-1742537624748
• https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/marianne
• https://guides.loc.gov/feminism-french-women-history
• https://cn.dreamstime.com
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7U3ESyicBM