The national coat of arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and unity. It features a shield divided into four parts, each representing a different historical region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The shield is supported by two golden rampant lions, and above it is a golden fleur-de-lis. The coat of arms is colored in blue, gold, and white.
The four parts of the shield represent the historical regions of Bosnia, Herzegovina, and two other regions that are now part of the country: the Una-Sana Canton and the Tuzla Canton. The blue and white checkerboard pattern in the top left corner represents Bosnia, while the gold and black diagonal stripes in the top right corner represent Herzegovina. The red and white wavy lines in the bottom left corner represent the Una-Sana Canton, and the white and blue wavy lines in the bottom right corner represent the Tuzla Canton.
The two golden rampant lions that support the shield are a symbol of strength and courage. They are facing each other and holding up the shield with their front paws. The golden fleur-de-lis above the shield is a symbol of purity, and it represents the country’s historical ties to the French royal family.
The colors of the coat of arms have a significant meaning as well. Blue represents peace and stability, while gold represents prosperity and wealth. White represents purity and innocence, and it is also a symbol of the country’s commitment to democracy and human rights.
The history of the national coat of arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina is closely tied to the country’s turbulent past. The checkerboard pattern in the top left corner of the shield has been used as a symbol of Bosnia since the 14th century. It was originally the coat of arms of the Kotromanić dynasty, which ruled Bosnia from the 13th to the 15th century.
The diagonal stripes in the top right corner of the shield were added in the 19th century, during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They were meant to represent Herzegovina, which was then part of the empire. The wavy lines in the bottom left and right corners of the shield were added in 1998, after the signing of the Dayton Accords that ended the Bosnian War. They represent the two new regions that were created as part of the country’s post-war political structure.
The two lions that support the shield have a long history in Bosnian heraldry. They were first used as a symbol of the medieval Bosnian state, and they have been used in various forms ever since. The fleur-de-lis above the shield was added in 1998 as well, as a symbol of the country’s ties to France. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a long history of cultural and political ties to France, dating back to the 19th century.
Overall, the national coat of arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a powerful symbol of the country’s unity and sovereignty. It represents the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, as well as its commitment to democracy and human rights. The coat of arms is a reminder of the country’s past struggles and its ongoing efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous future.