Coats of arms of countries of the world. History and varieties

The first heraldic symbols appeared in historyhumanity very early, but immediately began to play an important role in the relations of different dynasties and clans. The most significant of them are the flags and emblems of the countries of the world, which were previously the symbols of individual families, and now are aimed at demonstrating on what the state power is based.

History of the arms

The very first prototype of the emblem in its modernthe form of totemic images of patrons or animals that were used in the primitive world. Immediate prototypes were signs of family and family difference, which were used by both Slavs and other nationalities.

Officially, the first arms of the world appeared in theIII millennium BC. e. They are emblems that were minted on ancient coins and medals. One of the first was an eagle with a lion's head, which was a symbol of the Sumerians. Also known about the snake - the symbol of Egypt, the eagle - the symbol of Persia, which later became the sign of Rome. And in ancient Greece there were many coats of arms, for example, an owl in Athens, a winged horse in Corinth, a rose in Rhodes, a peacock in Samos, etc. It is noteworthy that the modern Russian symbol - the double-headed eagle - was borrowed from Byzantine culture.

First generic arms

In Western Europe in the Middle Ages appearedgeneric arms, which were later modified. Now they represent the arms of different countries. The first specimen is the shield, on which six gold lions are depicted. There are many versions regarding his appearance, but the most popular, albeit controversial, is that Geoffroy V received it after his marriage to Princess Matilda, the daughter of the English King Henry I.

The spread of such symbols was caused by the need for distinction of knights, who were encased in armor. The coats of arms were depicted on their shields and were an important factor for the identification of soldiers.

Elements of generic symbols were compoundparts of knight armament and uniforms. The emblems quickly spread and became hereditary, and some of them became symbols of monarchies, later becoming the arms of the countries of the world.

Family Emblems

There are several types: family, clan and personal. The family coat of arms is a kind of generic symbolism that carries the main values ​​of a certain kind, social status and serves as a reminder for the descendants that family traditions should be observed. The purpose of such an emblem is to keep a link between the generations of one dynasty and to capture the achievements of all its members in order to remain the link between all representatives.

Sometimes the family coat of arms is called family, this isIt's not at all surprising, because the word "last name" in translation means "family". The holder of such a symbolism can become the ancestor, who will give to his heirs and all future generations achievements and values ​​promoted by him. History knows cases when family heraldry became a symbol of state power, ie, these symbols are now the arms of the countries of the world.

Ancestral and personal arms

Generic symbols, on the other hand, do not demonstratepersonal symbols, she notes the main features of the dynasty, singling it out among others. This coat of arms is inherited, most often from father to son, through many generations.

There is also a variety, such as a personal coat of arms. It is aimed at displaying specific features of one person, his achievements and credo.

Undoubtedly, the arms of the countries of the world play an important rolefor the image of the state, and family - for childbirth. But hardly such symbols are important, if the goals they pursue are violated. Therefore, being a bearer, it is necessary to adhere to the principles that were established by previous generations.

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