Diplomatic emblem of France Facts for Kids

This page is about the French diplomatic emblem. For the heraldic emblem, see Coat of arms of France.

The diplomatic emblem of France, a symbol of the French Republic.

The diplomatic emblem of France is a special symbol used by the French Republic. Think of it like a unique badge that represents France to other countries. It's not the official national coat of arms, but it's very important! This emblem was first used in 1913 by the French Foreign Ministry, which is the part of the government that handles France's relationships with other nations. It helps identify French embassies and consulates around the world. The design was inspired by an older artwork created by a sculptor named Jules-Clément Chaplain. You might have even seen this emblem before, as it appears on the front cover of French passports!

Discovering the French Diplomatic Emblem
- Understanding the Emblem's Design
- Where You Can See the Emblem
See also

Discovering the French Diplomatic Emblem

Understanding the Emblem's Design

The diplomatic emblem of France is made up of several interesting parts, each with its own special meaning. Let's explore what each element represents:

The Shield: RF and Ancient Symbols

The emblem features a wide, curved shield, similar to an ancient Greek pelte (a light shield). On one side, you can see a lion's head, and on the other, an eagle's head. In the center of this shield are the letters 'RF'. These letters are a monogram, which means they are combined initials. 'RF' stands for République Française, which is French for the French Republic.

Branches of Peace and Wisdom

Next to the shield, there's an olive branch. The olive branch is a well-known symbol of peace all around the world. You'll also notice an oak branch. The oak tree is very strong and lives for a long time, so its branch represents wisdom and long-lasting strength.

The Fasces: A Symbol of Justice

Another important part of the emblem is the fasces symbol. This symbol looks like a bundle of wooden rods tied together, sometimes with an axe in the middle. It comes from Ancient Rome, where officials called lictors carried them as a sign of their authority and power to enforce laws. For France, the fasces represent justice and the strength of the republic. It shows that the government is strong and fair.

Where You Can See the Emblem

You can spot this emblem in many places! It's often displayed on plaques and signs outside French embassies and consulates in different countries. These are the official offices where French diplomats work. As mentioned, it's also on the cover of French passports and other official French papers. Sometimes, a slightly different version of this emblem is even used to represent the President of the French Republic.