Coat of Arms of Portugal facts for kids
The coat of arms of Portugal is a special symbol that tells a story about the country's history. It's like a picture that represents Portugal. This important symbol is mostly silver, with five blue shields arranged in the shape of a cross. Each blue shield has five small silver dots, called "plates," arranged like an "X."
Around the main silver shield, there's a red border. On this red border, you can see seven golden castles. These castles have three towers each. Behind the shield, there's a golden armillary sphere. This sphere is an old tool used to show how stars and planets move. It reminds us of Portugal's history of exploring the world by sea. Two golden olive branches curve around the sphere, tied together at the bottom with a ribbon that is green and red.
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What Does the Portuguese Coat of Arms Mean?
The coat of arms of Portugal is full of important symbols. Each part has a special meaning related to the country's past. Understanding these symbols helps us learn about Portugal's journey through history. It shows how the nation grew and what was important to its people.
The Main Shield: Five Blue Shields
The main part of the coat of arms is a silver shield. On this silver shield, there are five smaller blue shields. These five blue shields are arranged in a cross shape. They represent the five Moorish kings that the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, defeated in the Battle of Ourique in 1139. This battle was a very important moment for Portugal's independence.
The "Plates" on the Blue Shields
Inside each of the five blue shields, there are five small silver dots or "plates." These plates are arranged in an "X" shape, which is called a "saltire." There are 25 plates in total (5 shields x 5 plates). These plates are said to represent the coins that King Afonso I received after his victories. They also symbolize the wounds of Jesus Christ, showing the religious importance of the time.
The Red Border and Seven Castles
Around the main shield, there is a red border. On this red border, you can see seven golden castles. These castles are very important symbols. They represent the castles that Portugal conquered from the Moors during the Reconquista. The Reconquista was a long period when Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula fought to take back land from Muslim rule.
Why Seven Castles?
The number seven is significant. It is believed that the seven castles represent the castles that King Afonso III captured from the Kingdom of Castile in the 13th century. This helped to define the final borders of Portugal. The castles show the strength and defense of the Portuguese nation.
The Armillary Sphere: A Symbol of Exploration
Behind the shield, there is a large golden armillary sphere. This sphere is a very important part of the coat of arms. It was a tool used by sailors and astronomers to understand the sky and navigate the seas. The armillary sphere represents Portugal's amazing history of exploration.
Portugal's Age of Discoveries
During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal was a leader in the Age of Discovery. Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan sailed across oceans, discovering new lands and sea routes. The armillary sphere reminds everyone of Portugal's bravery and skill in exploring the world. It shows the country's global influence during that time.
The Olive Branches and Ribbon
Two golden olive branches curve around the armillary sphere. Olive branches are often a symbol of peace and victory. They suggest that Portugal achieved its greatness through both strength and peaceful growth.
The Green and Red Ribbon
At the bottom, the olive branches are tied together with a ribbon. This ribbon is green and red. These are the national colors of Portugal, found on its flag. The green represents hope and the forests of Portugal, while the red symbolizes the courage and sacrifice of the Portuguese people.
History of the Portuguese Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of Portugal has changed a bit over many centuries. It started with simple symbols and grew to include more details as Portugal's history unfolded. Each change added a new layer to its meaning.
Early Symbols: The Blue Shields
The very first symbols of Portugal date back to the 12th century. The blue shields with the silver plates were among the first elements. They were used by the first kings of Portugal, showing their victories and the start of the nation.
Adding the Castles and Borders
Over time, the red border with the castles was added. This happened as Portugal expanded its territory and secured its borders. The castles became a strong symbol of the nation's defense and its success in establishing its land.
The Armillary Sphere Joins the Design
The armillary sphere was added much later, during the Age of Discovery. It became a permanent part of the coat of arms in the 19th century. This addition highlighted Portugal's incredible achievements in sea exploration and its global reach.
Where Can You See the Coat of Arms?
The coat of arms of Portugal is a very important national symbol. You can see it in many places across the country. It is on official documents, government buildings, and even on the national flag. It helps people recognize Portugal and feel proud of their country's history.
- National Flag: The coat of arms is placed on the green and red national flag of Portugal.
- Official Buildings: You will find it on government offices, embassies, and other official buildings.
- Coins and Stamps: It is often featured on Portuguese coins, banknotes, and postage stamps.
- Sports Teams: Sometimes, sports teams representing Portugal will also use elements of the coat of arms.
The coat of arms is more than just a picture; it's a powerful reminder of Portugal's long and interesting history, its brave explorers, and its journey to become the nation it is today.
