Coat of arms of Liechtenstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of Liechtenstein |
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| Armiger | Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein |
| Blazon | Quarterly: I Or, an eagle displayed Sable crowned and armed Or charged with a crescent treflée, issuing from the middle thereof a cross pattée Argent (Silesia); II barry of eight Or and Sable, a crown of rue bendways throughout Vert (Kuenring); III per pale Gules and Argent (Duchy of Troppau); IV Or, a harpy displayed Sable the human parts Argent crowned and armed Or (Cirksena); on a point entée Azure, a bugle-horn stringed Or (Duchy of Jägerndorf); en surtout, an inescutcheon per fess or and Gules (House of Liechtenstein) |
| Other elements | Behind the shield, a Princely mantle Purpure lined ermine, ensigned with the Princely hat |
The coat of arms of Liechtenstein is a very special symbol for the country of Liechtenstein. It belongs to the ruling Prince, who is currently Prince Hans-Adam II. This important symbol is mostly used by the Prince and his family. Sometimes, other people can use it if it helps the country. The coat of arms tells a story about the House of Liechtenstein, showing different lands and families that have joined them over time.
Contents
What the Coat of Arms Means
The coat of arms is like a picture story. It shows different parts that represent the history of the Liechtenstein family. Each part reminds us of lands or families they were connected to.
The Main Shield
The large shield is divided into several sections:
- The top left part shows the symbol of Silesia. This is a black eagle with a crown.
- The top right part has eight gold and black stripes. These are the symbols of the Kuenring family.
- The bottom left part is split in half, red and white. This represents the Duchy of Troppau.
- The bottom right part shows a strange creature called a harpy. It has a human face and body, but the wings and legs of a bird. This represents the Cirksena family.
The Bottom and Center
At the very bottom of the shield, there is a blue section. On it, you can see a golden bugle-horn. This represents the Duchy of Jägerndorf.
Right in the middle of the whole shield, there is a smaller shield. This small shield is split into gold and red. It shows the actual symbols of the Princely House of Liechtenstein itself.
Special Decorations
The entire shield is surrounded by a rich purple cloth. This cloth is called a mantle. It is lined with white fur that has black spots, known as ermine. Golden fringes and tassels hang from the mantle.
On top of the whole design sits the Princely hat. This special hat shows that the coat of arms belongs to the Prince.
The Lesser Arms
Sometimes, you might see a simpler version of the coat of arms. This is called the Lesser Arms of Liechtenstein. It only shows the small shield with the gold and red colors of the Princely House. When this smaller shield is used alone, it also has the Princely hat on top.
See also
