Coat of arms - what is it? History and terminology

One of the indispensable attributes of any state, along with the flag and anthem is the coat of arms. What is a short word, borrowed from the Polish language, denoted in the old days, know a few. That's why you will probably be interested in learning the history of such images. Also curious is the interpretation of some of the symbols that adorn this or that well-known coat of arms.

What?

In Polish, the "coat of arms" sounds like "herb" (herb). This expression is a distorted version of the German word, which translates as "emblem". They originally designated a distinctive sign, which was inherited. On the arms depicted objects that symbolize its owner (person, genus, estate, city or country).

History

The study of the origin of this or that coat of arms deals with heraldry - the science that originated in the Middle Ages. This is a serious historical discipline that precisely determines which symbols can be applied to the state or family coat of arms, and so on, and also explains the significance of these or other figures.

Many will be surprised to learn about the coat of arms, what is the image on the shield, weapons and clothes knights began to wear because of the need to fight in a helmet with visor. He prevented to see a person and recognize him as an enemy or companion, so something that could identify a warrior was required. This was especially important during the Crusades, when the army of knights arrived from Europe, consisted of representatives of different countries.

Since most of the symbols signifying the country and belonging to one or another aristocratic family, sign boards, many coats of arms and to this day have a similar shape.

The first image of this kind is dated 1127th (possibly 1128th) year. It's a shield with 6 golden lions on an azure field. It is supposed that it was received by Geoffrey Fifth of Anjou as a gift for a wedding from the King of England, Henry the First.

Elements

Symbols of the emblem in the old days could tell about its owner very much and served as a kind of passport of its owner. They could be very different, whereas the basic elements usually remained unchanged. For their designation the following terminology is adopted:

• Helmet - the element of the emblem, located above the shield;
• Heraldic shield - the basis on which the basic symbols and figures are represented;
• Namet, that is, a helmet covered in flaps, usually having the upper side of the same color as the main enamel of the coat of arms;
• Crest - figure above the helmet;
• Crown - an image located above the shield and indicating the feudal status of the owner;
• Shield holders - human, mythical (capricorn, vulture, dragon, etc.) or animal figures located on the sides of the shield of arms;
• mantle;
• motto.

Tamga

Coats of arms are a European invention. However, generic identifying images were also used by Alans and Turkic peoples. They were in the form of symbols and were called tamga. Among the most famous arms of this kind are generic signs of Tamerlane and Crimean Geraev. They are radically different from European, more concise and usually represent a combination of the simplest geometric figures.

Russian Coat of Arms

This most important symbol of our statehood is a four-hulled red heraldic shield. It depicts a golden two-headed eagle that lifted its wings upward. It is crowned with 2 small crowns. Above them is another one - a large one. In the right paw of the bird - a scepter, and in the left eagle holds the power. On his chest in a red shield is depicted a silver rider on the same horse. He has a blue cloak, and he strikes with a spear of a black dragon, trampled by a horse.

It so happened that the flag, coat of arms, anthem of our country were created in different centuries. And this is very symbolic, as it means continuity of different epochs of Russian statehood.

Coats of arms of some republics of the Russian Federation

Russia is a federal state. It includes 21 republics. All of them have emblems.

• One of the largest subjects of the Russian Federation is Tatarstan. The coat of arms of the republic is of round shape, it depicts a winged leopard, which in ancient times was the patron of children and a fertility god of the Volga Bulgars. The background is the red sun, symbolizing happiness and life. On the side of the leopard is depicted an aster, signifying longevity.
• It is worth mentioning about the coat of arms of Bashkortostan. It also has a round shape. It depicts the equestrian monument Salavat Yulaev against the background of the rising sun, and below - the inflorescence of the kurai, considered a symbol of the courage of peoples.
• The emblem of Kalmykia depicts four fastened circles, which symbolizes the tribal union of the ancestors of the Kalmyks. On it is visible a red brush. It is called Ulan Zala, and in the 15th century the ruler of Togon-taisha ordered to wear it on the headdress to all Kalmyks. In addition, the coat of arms is a white scarf. It is the offering of believers in the temple as a sign of peaceful intentions, goodness, generosity and abundance.
• The coat of arms of Dagestan is a heraldic shield of round form of white color. In its center there is a golden eagle. Above the bird is an image of the sun, bordered with ornament. At the base of the heraldic shield painted white and gold snowy mountain peaks, the sea and the plain. Below is a shaking handshake, and on both sides - a heraldic tape, on which is written "Republic of Dagestan".
• The image of the Kabardino-Balkaria emblem is in the form of a traditional scarlet shield. It shows a golden eagle with an azure eye. On the bird's chest is a crossed shield. Above is the image of a silver mountain with two peaks in the azure field, and below is a golden shamrock on a green field.
• The arms of the Altai Republic are a circle that is bordered by a narrow golden strip. On a blue-blue background there is a three-headed peak of the Belukha mountain. Below (in the center of the circle) is a white griffin with a bird's head on the lion's body. Below the coat of arms are depicted the rivers Biya and Katun with tributaries. Between them is a golden tripod.

Now you know the terminology by which you can describe the coat of arms. What is heraldry and why the knights painted their shields, you also know, and you will be able to impress your acquaintances with acquaintances and support a secular conversation.