Coat of Arms of Spain facts for kids
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The coat of arms of Spain is a special symbol. It tells a story about Spain's history. It is made up of six smaller coats of arms. Each part represents an important kingdom or region that helped form modern Spain.
This important symbol is used by the Spanish government. You can see it on official documents, buildings, and flags. It shows the country's rich past and its journey to become the nation it is today.
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What is the Coat of Arms of Spain?
The Spanish coat of arms is like a picture puzzle. Each piece represents a different part of Spain's history. These parts include old kingdoms and important royal families. The design has changed over time, but the main symbols have stayed the same for centuries.
Symbols of the Old Kingdoms
The main shield of the coat of arms shows five important symbols. Each one stands for a powerful kingdom that existed in Spain's past.
The Golden Castle of Castile
On a red background, you will see a golden castle. This castle represents the Kingdom of Castile. Castile was one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in medieval Spain. Its rulers played a big role in uniting the country.
The Red Lion of León
Next to the castle is a red lion on a white background. This fierce lion stands for the Kingdom of León. León was another very old and important kingdom. Its symbol, the lion, shows strength and bravery.
The Stripes of Aragon
Below the castle and lion are red and yellow stripes. These stripes are the symbol of the Crown of Aragon. Aragon was a powerful kingdom in eastern Spain. It was known for its trade and its strong navy.
You can also see golden chains linked together on a red background. These chains represent the Kingdom of Navarre. Navarre was a kingdom in the Pyrenees mountains. The chains are said to come from a famous battle where a king broke enemy chains.
The Flower of Granada
At the very bottom of the main shield, there is a small flower. This flower is a pomegranate, which is a fruit. It represents the Kingdom of Granada. Granada was the last Muslim kingdom in Spain. It became part of Spain in 1492.
The Bourbon Family Symbol
In the very center of the shield, there is a small blue oval with three golden lilies. These lilies are called "fleur-de-lis." They are the symbol of the House of Bourbon. This is the royal family that rules Spain today. They have been the kings and queens of Spain for many centuries.
Other Important Parts of the Coat of Arms
Besides the main shield, there are other important parts that add to the meaning of the coat of arms.
The Royal Crown
On top of the shield, there is a royal crown. This crown is called the "Crown of Spain." It shows that Spain is a monarchy, meaning it has a king or queen as its head of state. The crown symbolizes the power and history of the Spanish monarchy.
The Pillars of Hercules
On either side of the shield, you can see two columns. These are known as the "Pillars of Hercules." According to ancient myths, these pillars marked the edge of the known world. They are often shown with a ribbon wrapped around them. The ribbon has the Latin motto "Plus Ultra," which means "Further Beyond." This motto encourages Spain to always look forward and explore.
The Eagle of Saint John (Historical)
Sometimes, in older versions of the coat of arms, you might see an eagle behind the shield. This was the Eagle of Saint John. It was used during the time of the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella. While not on the current official coat of arms, it is an important historical symbol.
History of the Spanish Coat of Arms
The coat of arms has changed many times throughout history. Each change reflected new rulers or important events.
Early Symbols
The earliest symbols appeared when different kingdoms started to form. Each kingdom had its own flag and shield. For example, Castile had its castle, and León had its lion.
Uniting the Kingdoms
When King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile married in 1469, their kingdoms began to unite. Their coats of arms were combined. This was a big step towards forming modern Spain.
Changes Over Centuries
Over the centuries, as different royal families ruled Spain, they added their own symbols to the coat of arms. The Bourbon family added their fleur-de-lis. The Pillars of Hercules and the motto "Plus Ultra" were added after Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. These additions showed Spain's growing power and its global reach.
The Modern Coat of Arms
The current design of the Spanish coat of arms was officially adopted in 1981. It brings together all these historical symbols into one clear image. It represents the long and rich history of Spain, from its ancient kingdoms to its modern identity.
Images for kids
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A robot for kids.
See also
- In Spanish: Escudo de España para niños
