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Coat of arms of Austria facts for kids

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Coat of arms of Austria
Austria Bundesadler.svg
Versions
Austria Bundesadler 1919-1934.svg
First Republic, 1919–1934
Österreich-Wappen (1934-1938).svg
Federal State ("Corporate" State) 1934–1938
Armiger Republic of Austria
Adopted 1945
Crest A mural crown Or
Blazon Gules, a fess argent (arms of the Duchy of Austria, flag of Austria)
Supporters An eagle sable gambed Or displayed
Other elements The eagle bears a sickle Or in dexter talon and a hammer Or in sinister talon. The gambs also bear broken iron chains.
Earlier version(s) As current version but without broken chains (1919–1934), Imperial-style double headed eagle (1934–1938)

The coat of arms of Austria is an important national symbol. It has been used by the country since 1919. For a short time between 1934 and 1938, Austria used a different design. This older design featured a two-headed eagle. In 1945, the original coat of arms was brought back. Some broken chains were added to it then. These chains represent Austria's freedom.

What the Austrian Coat of Arms Means

The Austrian coat of arms is full of special symbols. Each part tells a story about the country's history and values. Here's what each symbol means:

The Eagle: A Symbol of Freedom

The eagle on the coat of arms stands for Austria's freedom. It was first introduced in 1919. This powerful bird shows strength and independence.

The Shield: Austria's Colors

The shield in the middle of the eagle is called an escutcheon. It shows the colors red, white, and red. These are the colors of the flag of Austria. This design has been an emblem of Austria since the Middle Ages. It was brought back in 1915.

The Crown: For the People

The crown on the eagle's head is a mural crown. It looks like a city wall. This crown represents the middle class citizens of Austria. It was added to the coat of arms in 1919.

The Sickle and Hammer: Working Together

The eagle holds a sickle in one claw and a hammer in the other.

  • The sickle represents agriculture, which is farming.
  • The hammer stands for industry, which means factories and manufacturing.

Both were added in 1919. They show the importance of both farmers and workers in Austria.

The Broken Chains: Freedom from Oppression

Perhaps the most powerful symbol is the broken chains. These chains are wrapped around the eagle's feet. They were added in 1945. The broken chains show that Austria broke free from a very strict and oppressive government. They represent the country's freedom from a difficult time in its history.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Escudo de Austria para niños

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