Coat of arms of Guatemala Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of Guatemala Escudo de Guatemala

Versions
Version without the shield

Armiger	Republic of Guatemala
Adopted	18 November 1871
Blazon	"A shield with two rifles and two swords crossed with a wreath of laurel on a field of light blue. The middle will harbor a scroll of parchment with the words "Liberty 15 of September of 1821" in gold and in the upper part a Resplendent quetzal as the symbol of national independence and autonomy."
Motto	Libertad 15 de septiembre de 1821 "Freedom September 15, 1821"

The current coat of arms of Guatemala is a very important national symbol. It was officially chosen in 1871. This happened after a big change in the country called the 1871 Liberal Revolution. The coat of arms shows many symbols that stand for Guatemala's freedom and its right to govern itself.

You can often see the coat of arms on the Guatemalan flag. Sometimes, it is shown without the shield part, especially when it's on the flag.

How Was the Coat of Arms Created?
- What Does the Law Say About the Design?
What Do the Symbols Mean?
Past Coats of Arms of Guatemala
See also

How Was the Coat of Arms Created?

In 1871, Guatemala was celebrating 50 years of being independent from Spain. The president at the time, Miguel García Granados, wanted a special design to remember this important event.

A talented engraver from Switzerland, named Juan Bautista Frener, created the design. President Granados liked it so much that he decided to make it the official national symbol. This new design replaced an older coat of arms that had different meanings.

What Does the Law Say About the Design?

On November 18, 1871, President Granados issued a special rule, Executive Decree No. 33. This rule described exactly what the new coat of arms should look like:

It should have a shield.
On the shield, there would be two rifles and two swords crossed.
A wreath of laurel leaves would surround these items.
The background color would be light blue.
In the middle, there would be a scroll (like an old piece of paper).
On the scroll, it would say "Liberty 15 of September of 1821" in gold letters. This is the date Guatemala became free.
At the top, there would be a Resplendent quetzal. This bird represents Guatemala's independence.

Later, in 1968, another rule was made. This rule gave even more details about the flag and coat of arms. It explained the exact parts, colors, and even the specific shade of blue to use.

What Do the Symbols Mean?

Each part of Guatemala's coat of arms has a special meaning:

The Resplendent quetzal is Guatemala's national bird. It stands for the country's freedom and independence.
The crossed Remington rifles were used during the 1871 Liberal Revolution. They show the country's readiness to protect its interests.
The crossed swords represent justice and honor.
The laurel wreath is a symbol of victory and success.
The parchment scroll in the center says "Liberty 15 de septiembre de 1821." This is the exact date Guatemala gained its independence from Spain.