The national coat of arms of Belarus is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and independence. It features a white knight on horseback, holding a sword and shield, against a red background. The shield is adorned with a golden cross and a golden fleur-de-lis, and the knight wears a golden helmet with a white crest.
The colors of the coat of arms are significant. Red represents the blood shed by Belarusians in defense of their country, while white symbolizes purity and freedom. Gold is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, as well as the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The history of the Belarusian coat of arms dates back to the 14th century, when the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, of which Belarus was a part, adopted a coat of arms featuring a knight on horseback. Over the centuries, the design of the coat of arms evolved, with different rulers adding their own elements to the design.
In the 20th century, the coat of arms underwent several changes. During the Soviet era, the coat of arms featured a hammer and sickle, as well as a red star. After Belarus gained independence in 1991, a new coat of arms was adopted, featuring a stylized bison, a symbol of strength and endurance.
In 2020, a new coat of arms was adopted, featuring the white knight on horseback. The design was chosen through a national competition, and was intended to reflect the country’s history and traditions.
The white knight on horseback is a powerful symbol of Belarusian identity. The knight represents the country’s proud history of defending its sovereignty and independence, while the horse symbolizes strength and endurance. The sword and shield represent the country’s readiness to defend itself against any threat.
The golden cross and fleur-de-lis on the shield are also significant. The cross represents the country’s Christian heritage, while the fleur-de-lis is a symbol of the country’s cultural ties to Europe.
Overall, the national coat of arms of Belarus is a powerful symbol of the country’s identity and history. It reflects the country’s proud traditions of independence and sovereignty, as well as its rich cultural heritage. The new design, featuring the white knight on horseback, is a fitting symbol for a country that has overcome many challenges and remains committed to its values and traditions.