Coat of arms of Edmonton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coat of Arms of Edmonton
Armiger	Edmonton, Alberta
Adopted	1994
Crest	A mace or
Blazon	Purpure a fess wavy Argent charged with a bar wavy Azure between in chief a winged cogwheel and in base a garb Or on a chief Azure fimbriated Argent a demi sun issuant in splendour Or;
Supporters	Dexter an explorer tempore 1796 proper habited in winter garb about his waist a sash chequy Or and Azure bearing in his sinister hand a musket barrel upwards and on his dexter hip hanging over his opposite shoulder a powder horn and bag all Or sinister a representation of Athena proper crined Or habited Azure bearing beneath her sinister arm a book and in her sinister hand a torch all or.
Compartment	A grassy mount Vert.
Motto	INDUSTRY • INTEGRITY • PROGRESS;
Other elements	The shield compartment and motto are surmounting an upright mace Or.

The coat of arms of Edmonton is a special symbol for the city. It was officially given to Edmonton on October 28, 1994. This symbol tells a story about Edmonton's history, values, and future.

Understanding Edmonton's Coat of Arms

A coat of arms is like a unique picture or emblem. It represents a city, family, or organization. Edmonton's coat of arms has several parts, each with its own meaning. These parts work together to show what the city is all about.

What Do the Symbols Mean?

Each part of the coat of arms has a special meaning. Let's explore what each symbol represents.

The Crest: A Symbol of Power

• The very top of the coat of arms is called the crest.
• On Edmonton's crest, you'll see a mace.
• A mace is a fancy staff used in official ceremonies.
• It represents Edmonton's role as the capital city of Alberta.

The Shield: Pictures of Edmonton's Strengths

• The main part of the coat of arms is the shield.
• It holds several important images:
  • The Sun: A bright sun shines on the shield. This shows that Edmonton gets a lot of sunshine.
  • A Winged Wheel: You'll see a wheel with wings. This symbol highlights Edmonton's importance in aviation (air travel) and industry.
  • A Wavy Ribbon: A wavy blue line crosses the shield. This represents the North Saskatchewan River. This river flows through the city and has been important for its growth.
  • A Sheaf of Wheat: A bundle of wheat, called a sheaf, is also on the shield. This symbol reminds us of the importance of agriculture in the region.

The Supporters: Guardians of History and Knowledge

• On either side of the shield are the supporters. They look like they are holding up the shield.
  • The Explorer: On the left side, there is an explorer. He looks like a Métis fur trader from the late 1700s. He reminds us of Edmonton's early days as a fur trading post. He also looks towards the future.
  • Athena, Goddess of Wisdom: On the right side, you'll see a figure representing Athena. She is the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom. She symbolizes education and the University of Alberta, a major university in the city.

The Compartment: A Grassy Base

• The compartment is the base on which the supporters stand.
• For Edmonton's coat of arms, it's a simple green grassy hill.

The Motto: Guiding Principles

• Below the shield, there is a scroll with the city's motto.
• Edmonton's motto is: "INDUSTRY • INTEGRITY • PROGRESS".
• These words show the values that guide the city and its people.
  • Industry: Means hard work and building things.
  • Integrity: Means being honest and having strong moral principles.
  • Progress: Means moving forward and making improvements.