Helvetia

Helvetia is the Latin name for Switzerland. It is often used as a national personification of Switzerland, similar to Britannia for Great Britain or Marianne for France.

Origin: The name "Helvetia" derives from the Helvetii, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the Swiss Plateau before the Roman era. Julius Caesar mentions the Helvetii in his Commentarii de Bello Gallico.

Usage:

• Official Use: The Latin name is still used in official contexts within Switzerland. The official two-letter country code for Switzerland is CH, which stands for Confoederatio Helvetica (Helvetic Confederation). This is to avoid favoring any of the four national languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh).
• Postage Stamps: Helvetia is often found on Swiss postage stamps.
• Coins: Older Swiss coins frequently feature the name Helvetia.
• Personification: Helvetia is depicted as a woman, typically wearing a flowing gown and often carrying a shield and a spear. This personification is used on coins, statues, and other national symbols.
• Commercial Use: Numerous businesses and organizations in Switzerland use "Helvetia" in their name.

Historical Significance: The choice of a Latin name for the confederation reflects a desire for neutrality and unity, avoiding linguistic dominance and connecting to a shared historical heritage. The Helvetii were seen as a symbol of independence and resistance, qualities that resonated with the Swiss Confederation's history.