Coat of Arms of Norway facts for kids
The coat of arms of Norway is a very old and important symbol for the country. It shows a golden lion standing on its back legs, placed on a bright red background. This lion wears a golden crown and holds a golden axe with a shiny silver blade. This special design has been used for hundreds of years to represent Norway and its kings.
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What is a Coat of Arms?
A coat of arms is like a unique badge or emblem for a country, a family, or a group. In the past, knights wore these symbols on their shields and tunics (coats) so people could tell who they were in battle. Today, countries use them on official documents, flags, and buildings to show their identity and history.
The Norwegian Lion: A Symbol of Power
The lion has been a part of Norway's coat of arms for a very long time. It first appeared on the shield of King Sverre of Norway around the year 1194. His son, King Haakon Haakonsson, also used a lion on his shield.
How the Axe Was Added
The axe was added to the lion's paw much later, around the year 1280. It was King Eirik Magnusson who decided to add it. The axe is a special symbol of Saint Olav, who was a king of Norway and later became a saint. He was killed in battle with an axe. So, the axe in the coat of arms represents Saint Olav and Norway's Christian heritage.
Changes Over Time
Over the centuries, the look of the lion and axe has changed a bit. Sometimes the lion looked more like a dragon, and the axe changed shape. But the main parts – the golden lion, the red background, the crown, and the axe – have always stayed the same. The current design was officially decided in 1992.
Colors and Their Meaning
The colors used in the coat of arms are also important:
- Red: This color often represents bravery, strength, and courage.
- Gold (or Yellow): Gold usually stands for generosity and wealth.
- Silver (or White): Silver can mean peace and honesty.
These colors, along with the lion and axe, tell a story about Norway's history, its kings, and its values.
Where You Can See It
You can see the Norwegian coat of arms in many places. It's on:
- Official government buildings
- Norwegian passports
- Coins and banknotes
- The Royal Standard of Norway, which is the flag used by the King of Norway
It is a powerful reminder of Norway's long history and its national pride.
Images for kids
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Coat of Arms of Norway during the World Expo in Paris (1937).
See also
In Spanish: Escudo de Noruega para niños
