As a rule, these symbols are cultural icons that have emerged from Sussex folklore and tradition, meaning few have any official status.
However, most if not all maintain recognition at a county or national level, and some, such as the emblem of Sussex, have been codified in heraldry, and are established, official and recognised symbols of Sussex.
[1] A banner of arms, the flag is based on the traditional emblem of Sussex.
It is now firmly regarded that the county emblem originated and derived from the coat of arms of the 14th century Knight of the Shire, Sir John de Radynden.
[3] Sussex’s six martlets are today held to symbolise the traditional six sub-divisions of the county known as rapes.