Coat of arms of Belgium Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of Belgium
Greater version
Armiger	Albert II, King of the Belgians
Adopted	17 March 1837
Crest	A helmet with raised visor or crowned with a Royal Crown of Belgium
Blazon	Sable, a lion rampant or, armed and langued Gules with two crossed sceptres (a hand of justice and a lion) or behind a shield. The grand collar of the Order of Leopold (Belgium) surrounds the shield
Supporters	Two lions guardant proper each supporting a lance Gules point or with two National Flags of Belgium (Tierced per pale Sable, or and Gules.
Compartment	Underneath the compartment is placed the ribbon Gules with two stripes Sable charged with the motto
Motto	French: L'union fait la force Dutch: Eendracht maakt macht
Order(s)	Order of Leopold
Other elements	The whole is placed on a mantle Gules with ermine lining, fringes and tassels Or and ensigned with the Royal Crown of Belgium. Above the mantle rise banners with the arms of the nine provinces that made Belgium in 1837. They are (from right to left) Antwerp, West Flanders, East Flanders, Liège, Brabant, Hainaut, Limburg, Luxembourg and Namur

The coat of arms of Belgium is an important national symbol. It features a powerful lion as its main design. This lion is known as the Leo Belgicus, which means "Belgian lion" in Latin. The colors used in the coat of arms are black, yellow, and red. These are the same colors you see on the Belgian flag. The national motto, "Unity makes strength," is also a key part of the design.

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What is a Coat of Arms?

A coat of arms is a special design that represents a country, a family, or an organization. It's like a unique logo that tells a story about who it belongs to. Countries use them to show their history, values, and identity.

The Belgian Lion: A Symbol of Strength

The main part of Belgium's coat of arms is a golden lion. This lion stands on its back legs, ready to pounce. In heraldry, which is the study of coats of arms, this pose is called "rampant." The lion has red claws and a red tongue. It represents the strength and bravery of the Belgian people.

Colors and Their Meaning

The colors used in the coat of arms are:

Black: This color is called sable in heraldry.
Yellow: This color is called or (which means gold) in heraldry.
Red: This color is called gules in heraldry.

These colors are the same as those on the Belgian flag. They stand for important parts of Belgian history and identity.

"Unity Makes Strength": The National Motto

Below the shield, there is a ribbon with the national motto. It is written in both French and Dutch, the two main languages of Belgium:

L'union fait la force (French)
Eendracht maakt macht (Dutch)

Both phrases mean "Unity makes strength." This motto reminds everyone that working together makes the country stronger.

Different Versions of the Coat of Arms

Belgium uses a few different versions of its coat of arms:

The Greater Coat of Arms

This is the most detailed version. It includes:

The main shield with the golden lion.
Two lions on either side, holding up Belgian flags. These are called "supporters."
A royal crown on top, showing Belgium is a monarchy.
A large red cloak, lined with ermine (a type of fur), draped behind the shield. This is called a "mantle."
Banners above the mantle, showing the coats of arms of the nine original provinces that formed Belgium in 1837. These provinces are Antwerp, West Flanders, East Flanders, Liège, Brabant, Hainaut, Limburg, Luxembourg, and Namur.
The Grand Collar of the Order of Leopold (Belgium), which is a very important Belgian award.

The Lesser Coat of Arms

This version is simpler. It usually shows:

The shield with the lion.
The two supporting lions.
The royal crown.
The motto ribbon.

You might see this version on official documents or buildings.

The Escutcheon-Only Version

This is the simplest version. It only shows the main shield with the golden lion. This version is often used when a smaller, less detailed symbol is needed, like on a passport.

History of the Coat of Arms

The coat of arms was officially adopted on March 17, 1837. This was just a few years after Belgium became an independent country in 1830. The design reflects the new nation's pride and its desire for unity.

Images for kids

Lesser coat of arms on an embassy plaque
Lesser arms on a Belgian passport cover

Coat of arms of Belgium facts for kids