Coat of Arms of Sweden facts for kids

The coat of arms of Sweden (Swedish: Sveriges riksvapen) is a special symbol for the country. Like many nations, Sweden uses a coat of arms to represent its history, government, and royal family. Sweden actually has two main versions: a greater (bigger) one and a lesser (smaller) one.

What is a Coat of Arms?

A coat of arms is like a unique picture or emblem that represents a country, a family, or an organization. It often shows symbols, animals, or colors that have special meanings. These symbols tell a story about who or what they represent. For Sweden, the coat of arms is an important national symbol, just like its flag.

The Greater Coat of Arms

The greater coat of arms is the most detailed and fancy version. It is mainly used by the King and for very important national events. Think of it as the official "royal" symbol.

Quick facts for kids Greater coat of arms of the Kingdom of Sweden
Versions
Version without the ermine mantling
Version without the ermine mantling, the compartment and the supporters
Version consisting of the crowned escutcheon only
Armiger	Carl XVI Gustaf The King of Sweden
Adopted	1448 November 17, 1905
Crest	Royal Crown of Sweden
Blazon	Azure, quartered by a cross Or with outbent arms, and an inescutcheon containing the dynastic arms of the Royal House. In the first and fourth fields three open crowns Or, placed two above one. In the second and third fields three sinisterbendwise streams argent, a lion crowned with an open crown Or armed gules. The inescutcheon is party per pale the arms for the House of Vasa (Bendwise azure, argent and gules, a vasa (sheaf of wheat) Or); and the House of Bernadotte (Azure, issuant from a wavy base a bridge with three arches and two towers embattled argent, in honour point an eagle regardant with wings inverted resting on thunderbolts Or, and in chief the Big Dipper constellation of the same).
Supporters	two lions regardant, crowned and with forked tails (queue fourchée) Or armed gules, standing on a compartment Or
Compartment	Pedestal Or
Order(s)	Order of Seraphim
Other elements	All surrounded by ermine mantling, crowned with a royal crown and tied up with tasseladorned strings Or

What Does the Greater Coat of Arms Look Like?

This grand coat of arms has a large blue shield divided into four parts by a golden cross.

• In the top left and bottom right sections, you will see three golden crowns. These are the famous "Three Crowns" symbol of Sweden.
• In the top right and bottom left sections, there is a golden lion with a crown, walking on wavy silver lines. This represents the ancient Folkunga dynasty.

In the very center of the shield, there is a smaller shield. This smaller shield shows the symbols of the current royal family, the House of Bernadotte, and an older royal family, the House of Vasa.

• The Vasa symbol looks like a golden sheaf of wheat.
• The Bernadotte symbol includes a bridge, an eagle, and the Big Dipper constellation.

Other Parts of the Greater Coat of Arms

The main shield is held up by two golden lions wearing crowns. They stand on a golden platform. The entire design is surrounded by a special cloth that looks like a royal cloak, called an ermine mantling. On top of everything sits the Royal Crown of Sweden. Around the shield, you can also see the chain of the Royal Order of the Seraphim, which is Sweden's highest honor.

The Lesser Coat of Arms

The lesser coat of arms is simpler and is used more often. It is the official symbol for the Swedish Government, the Riksdag (Sweden's parliament), and many government agencies.

Lesser coat of arms of the Kingdom of Sweden
Versions
Version without the Order of the Seraphim
Armiger	The Riksdag Government of Sweden King of Sweden
Adopted	1336 November 17, 1905
Crest	Royal Crown of Sweden
Blazon	Azure, three coronets Or, placed two above one
Order(s)	Order of Seraphim

What Does the Lesser Coat of Arms Look Like?

This version is much simpler. It features a blue shield with the three golden crowns placed two above one. On top of the shield is the Royal Crown of Sweden. Sometimes, the chain of the Royal Order of the Seraphim is also shown around this shield.

History of the Symbols

The symbols on Sweden's coats of arms have a long history. The three crowns have been used as a symbol for Sweden since at least the 14th century. The lion symbol is even older. Over time, different royal families added their own symbols to the greater coat of arms. The current designs were officially set on November 17, 1905.

Related pages

• Flag of Sweden

Images for kids

• 

  National coat of arms of the Kingdom of Sweden, HM Pansarskepp Gustaf V (Agfacolor photo until 1957).

See also

In Spanish: Escudo de Suecia para niños