Coat of arms of Bolívar Department facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of Bolívar |
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| Armiger | The Department of Bolívar |
| Crest | An eagle expansed holding a wreath of olives in its beak. |
| Blazon | Modern French bordure diminished argent, per fess, the chief per pale, Or a palm tree proper, gules five bezants, azure a sailboat proper, on stern the flag of Bolívar, on barry wavy argent and azure. |
| Motto | Ab Ordine Libertas |
| Other elements | Mantled Or. |
| Use | Gubernatorial Flag, official paperwork. |
The Coat of Arms of the Department of Bolívar is the official symbol for the Bolívar Department in Colombia. This special design has been used for a long time. It was in use even before 1856.
In 1856, the "Sovereign State of Bolívar" was created. At that time, the symbols changed. The new coat of arms looked like the Coat of arms of Colombia. It had a red oval around it that said "ESTADO SOBERANO DE BOLIVAR".
Later, in 1886, the states were changed into departments. The original symbols were used again. However, some small changes happened over time. This means there are a few differences in the coat of arms you see today.
Contents
What Does the Bolívar Coat of Arms Mean?
The shield of the Coat of Arms has a traditional Spanish design. It is shaped like a square with a small point at the bottom. The shield is divided into three main sections. It also has a thin silver border.
Above the shield, there is a goshawk. This bird holds a wreath of olive leaves in its beak. A scroll is placed behind the bird. Golden fabric, called mantling, flows down the sides of the shield.
Parts of the Shield Explained
The shield is divided into three main parts. Each part has its own special meaning.
Upper Left Section: Golden Palm Tree
The first section is in the upper left corner. It has a golden background. On this background, you can see a coconut palm. Coconut palms are very common in the Caribbean region.
The golden color represents wealth and the rich land of Bolívar. The palm tree stands for stability. It also symbolizes love for brave and important actions.
Upper Right Section: Red with Gold Coins
The second section is in the upper right corner. This part has a red background. On it, there are five gold coins. They are arranged in an "X" shape.
The red color stands for bravery, honor, and victory. It also shows loyalty. The coins were originally meant to be silver. Silver represents purity, faith, and obedience. However, they are now shown in gold. This change might show a desire for more independence. It could also mean less connection to royal power.
Lower Section: Blue Sea and Ship
The third section fills the lower part of the shield. It has a blue background. This blue represents the ocean. You can see wavy lines that look like the sea. On the sea, there is a ship.
The blue color is a nod to the Caribbean Sea. This sea is a very important part of the department. It also shows the many rivers, marshes, and lakes in the area. The ship was originally black. It is now shown in white and brown. This ship symbolizes Bolívar's strong connection to the sea. Cartagena, the capital city, has always been a very important seaport.
The Bird and the Motto
It is common in Andean countries to have a bird as a crest. This is often done without a helmet or mantling. Many of these countries show a condor with a scroll.
The Coat of Arms of Bolívar follows this tradition. It features a goshawk with its wings spread wide. The bird looks to the left. It symbolizes power, greatness, and strength. The goshawk holds an olive crown. This crown represents peace. The original description of the coat of arms mentions an "Aguila azorada." This means an eagle in pursuit, but "azor" also means goshawk in Spanish.
Behind the bird, there is a scroll. On the scroll, a motto is written in Latin: "Ab Ordine Libertas". This was the old motto of Colombia. It means "From Order, Comes Freedom." Today, it is often translated into Spanish as "Orden y Libertad".
See also
In Spanish: Escudo de Bolívar (Colombia) para niños
