The national coat of arms of Chile is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and identity. It features a blue shield with a five-pointed white star in the center, surrounded by a red border with golden edges. Above the shield is a golden five-pointed star, and below it is a ribbon with the national motto “Por la razón o la fuerza” (By reason or by force) written in black letters.
The blue shield represents the sky and the Pacific Ocean, which borders Chile to the west. The white star symbolizes the guide and protector of the country, and the red border represents the blood spilled by the heroes who fought for Chile’s independence. The golden edges of the border represent the sun and the wealth of the country.
The golden star above the shield represents the state, and the ribbon with the national motto represents the people’s commitment to defend their country by any means necessary.
The current design of the coat of arms was adopted on June 26, 1834, during the presidency of José Joaquín Prieto. However, the elements of the coat of arms have changed over time.
The first coat of arms of Chile was created in 1812 by the First National Congress. It featured a blue shield with three golden stars and two golden columns, representing the three branches of government and the two hemispheres of the world. The motto was “Por la unión de la América del Sud” (For the union of South America).
In 1817, after Chile’s independence from Spain, a new coat of arms was adopted. It featured a blue shield with a white star and a golden sun, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The motto was “Por la libertad con o sin justicia” (For freedom with or without justice).
In 1819, the coat of arms was modified to include a condor, a symbol of strength and freedom, holding a laurel wreath in its beak. The motto was changed to “Por la libertad o la muerte” (For freedom or death).
In 1834, the current design of the coat of arms was adopted, with the motto “Por la razón o la fuerza”. The design was created by the painter and diplomat José Gregorio Argomedo.
The coat of arms has been used on the national flag of Chile since 1817. The flag features two horizontal stripes, white and red, with a blue square in the upper left corner, containing the white star of the coat of arms.
The national coat of arms of Chile is a powerful symbol of the country’s history, identity, and sovereignty. It represents the struggle for independence, the commitment to defend the country, and the natural beauty and wealth of Chile.