Murmansk coat of arms: symbols and the history of the coat of arms

The city of Murmansk has a glorious history. During the Patriotic War, the city staunchly repelled the German attacks, which earned it the title of Hero City. The Soviet Union awarded the city many orders. Originally called Romanov-on-Murmansk, Murmansk was the last city created in the Russian Empire. Now this city, which is located beyond the Arctic Circle, is one of the largest ports of the Russian Federation. What symbols contains the coat of arms of Murmansk? Does his official symbolism speak of a great past?

Murmansk coat of arms: photo, description

The special significance of the city of Murmansk is reflected in the coat of arms of the city, which is its social and historical symbol. The Murmansk coat of arms, authored by Nikolai Petrovich Bystryakov, was approved in 2004 after some changes.

The modern version of the coat of arms is a pointed shield. His composition is divided into two unequal parts. The upper part, large in size, is painted in azure color. Here is a golden color ship, over which gold color depicts the northern lights. At the bottom of the coat of arms is a fish of azure color on a yellow or gold background.

Symbols of the coat of arms

Thanks to the symbolic elements on it, the Murmansk coat of arms informs about the main features of the city. Unlike many other emblems, its symbols are quite understandable and do not make references to the distant historical past of Murmansk. Rather, these symbols are designed to reflect the essence of the city.

The vessel depicted in the upper part of the emblem is a trawler, a vessel for fishing. It simultaneously reflects one of the main occupations in the city - a sailor and, at the same time, represents Murmansk as a large seaport. The azure fish also reflects the widespread professional occupation - fishing.

According to one version, the yellow background at the bottom of the shield, along with the fish on it, symbolizes the richness of the sea depths, and the blue or azure color is used in the meaning of water. According to another version, these two colors are symbols of the polar night and the polar day. Polar lights at the top indicate the geographical location of the city.

History of the arms

Murmansk's coat of arms was created by architect N. P. Bystryakov in 1966, it was his project that won the contest. The official version of the emblem was published two years later in the newspaper "Polar Star". Then, instead of azure, it was blue. In 2004, the color was changed. In the upper part of the coat of arms, according to Soviet tradition, there was an inscription with the name of the city. The original outline of the coat of arms is kept in the local museum of local lore, and there is also a detailed description of it.

In 2012, a competition was again announced for the development of the new coat of arms of Murmansk. So, another variant was developed, in which the coat of arms of Murmansk holds two winged griffins. Griffins are depicted with fish tails, possibly to emphasize Murmansk's special connection with water. In heraldry, griffins usually symbolize strength and foresight, since they contain the features of a lion and an eagle. In ancient times they were considered treasurers. Usually, in heraldry they are depicted only with wings (female griffin) or only with tails.

At the top of the shield of the new version of the emblem is the golden crown. Behind the shield is the golden star of the hero city, although only the tips of its rays are visible. Images of the vessel and the fish have a slightly different appearance. The vessel is shown in a more archaic manner, and the fish is supplemented with small details and acquired a more specific appearance. Now the fish looks like cod. At the foot of the shield is an azure ribbon with the motto: "For the old limits."

Conclusion

Officially adopted coat of arms of the city of Murmansk is silent about the great military past of the hero city. Now the image is quite simple and reflects the modern essence of life in the city.