Coat of Arms of Serbia facts for kids
The coat of arms of Serbia is a very important national symbol. It was officially adopted on August 17, 2004. This special emblem tells a story about Serbia's history and its people. It features a powerful double-headed eagle and a unique Serbian cross.
Contents
What is the Coat of Arms of Serbia?
The coat of arms is like a country's special badge. It shows important symbols that represent the nation. Serbia's coat of arms has two main parts. The larger part, called the principal field, stands for the Serbian State. Inside this, there is a smaller shield, called an inescutcheon. This smaller shield represents the Serbian Nation.
The Double-Headed Eagle
The main part of the coat of arms shows a double-headed eagle. This eagle is silver in color. Its wings are spread wide, and its tongue, beak, legs, and claws are golden. The double-headed eagle is a very old symbol. It has been used by Serbian rulers for many centuries.
Symbolism of the Eagle
The double-headed eagle often represents power and strength. It also shows a connection to the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine Empire was a very old and powerful empire that influenced Serbia a lot. Having two heads means the eagle is watching both East and West. This shows Serbia's position between different cultures and regions.
The Serbian Cross
On the chest of the double-headed eagle, there is a smaller red shield. This shield holds the Serbian cross. The cross is silver in color. It has four special shapes, called "fire-steels," around it. These fire-steels look a bit like the letter 'C' or 'S'.
Meaning of the Cross and Fire-Steels
The cross is a strong symbol of Christianity, which is very important in Serbia. The four fire-steels are also very old symbols. They are sometimes said to represent the Cyrillic letter 'S'. This could stand for "Samo Sloga Srbina Spasava," which means "Only Unity Saves the Serbs." This motto highlights the importance of working together for the Serbian people.
Fleurs-de-lis
Below the eagle, there are two golden fleurs-de-lis. A fleur-de-lis is a stylized lily or iris flower. It is a traditional symbol often associated with royalty and nobility. In the Serbian coat of arms, these flowers are placed at the bottom of the main shield. They add to the royal and historic feel of the emblem.
History of the Fleur-de-lis in Serbia
The fleur-de-lis has been used in Serbian heraldry for a long time. It can be seen in the coats of arms of some old Serbian noble families and rulers. Its presence in the modern coat of arms connects it to Serbia's rich medieval past and its royal heritage.
Colors of the Coat of Arms
The colors used in the coat of arms are very important.
- Red (Gules): The background of the main shield and the smaller shield is red. Red often symbolizes bravery, courage, and sacrifice.
- Silver (Argent): The double-headed eagle and the cross are silver. Silver can represent purity, peace, and sincerity.
- Gold (Or): The eagle's features (beak, claws) and the fleurs-de-lis are gold. Gold is a color of wealth, wisdom, and majesty.
These colors are also the colors of the Serbian flag. They are deeply rooted in Serbian tradition and history.
Why is a Coat of Arms Important?
A coat of arms is more than just a picture. It is a powerful symbol of a country's identity. It represents its history, values, and hopes for the future. The Serbian coat of arms is seen on official documents, buildings, and uniforms. It reminds everyone of Serbia's long and proud heritage.
See also
In Spanish: Escudo de Serbia para niños
