One of the wonderful and exciting aspects of the Spitfire saga is the way this aircraft has influenced the popular culture in Britain. Indeed, this influence is equally present today and poses an interesting subject to study.

Many aviation enthusiasts treat their love of certain aircraft as something not easily understood by the people outside the aviation circles. The unique thing with the Spitfire is that there is no need to do so; according to the site Icons: A portrait of England, the Spitfire was elected among the 45 symbols defining the English culture.

On that list our aircraft stands in a fine company of a cup of tea, Big Ben, Rolls-Royce, miniskirt, Monty Python, the Tower of London, Sherlock Holmes and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, to name just a few.

What makes something an icon? A Portrait of England makes a serious effort to define symbols uniquely defining the country and the people who live here. Most of them are indeed easy to agree on. See the complete list of English icons.

As one of the readers commented: "Everything about the Spitfire declares its Englishness to the world. From its graceful lines, speed and understated aggression to its involvement in the marking of a milestone in our nation's history through the overcoming of insurmountable odds.". Couldn't agree more.

The quoted site features a dedicated Spitfire page which invites further exploration of the subject.

Labels: history