This presentation explores how nationalistic movements co-opt the visual language of religious iconography to sanctify the nation and foster a religious-like devotion. By comparing religious and nationalistic motifs—such as halos, divine light, martyrdom, and sacred gestures—this study examines how processing fluency and emotional intensity shape ideological agreement and emotional engagement. A mixed-methods approach that combines netnography and experimental research reveals how individuals’ personality traits (Big Five) and socio-political conservatism influence their susceptibility to sacralized nationalistic imagery. By analyzing both historical and contemporary cases, this research highlights the psychological mechanisms through which visual propaganda reinforces national identity and promotes collective loyalty.
