The national coat of arms of Estonia is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and independence. It features a blue shield with three golden lions passant guardant, which means they are walking and facing the viewer. The lions are arranged in a diagonal line, with the middle lion being larger than the other two. Above the shield is a golden crown, which represents the sovereignty of the Estonian people.
The colors of the coat of arms are significant as well. Blue is a traditional color of Estonia, representing loyalty, faith, and devotion. Gold is a symbol of wealth, power, and prestige. The combination of blue and gold creates a regal and dignified appearance, reflecting the country’s history and culture.
The history of the Estonian coat of arms dates back to the 13th century, when the country was under the rule of the Danish king Valdemar II. The first known coat of arms of Estonia was a red shield with a golden cross, which was used by the Danish king as a symbol of his authority over the country. Later, the coat of arms was changed to a blue shield with a golden lion, which was used by the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf during his reign over Estonia in the 17th century.
After Estonia gained independence from Russia in 1918, a new coat of arms was designed by the artist R. von zur Mühlen. It featured a golden eagle on a blue shield, with a sword and a branch of oak leaves in its talons. This coat of arms was used until 1940, when Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union.
In 1990, after Estonia regained its independence, a new coat of arms was adopted. It was based on the coat of arms used during the 1920s and 1930s, which featured three lions on a blue shield. The lions were chosen as a symbol of strength, courage, and independence, and were inspired by the coat of arms of Denmark, which had ruled over Estonia for centuries.
The current coat of arms of Estonia was officially adopted on May 6, 1993, by the Estonian parliament. It was designed by the artist Priit Herodes, who was inspired by the coat of arms used during the 1920s and 1930s. The three lions on a blue shield represent the strength and courage of the Estonian people, while the golden crown symbolizes their sovereignty and independence.
The Estonian coat of arms is an important symbol of the country’s identity and history. It represents the strength, courage, and independence of the Estonian people, and serves as a reminder of their struggle for freedom and sovereignty. The coat of arms is used on official documents, government buildings, and national monuments, and is a source of pride for the Estonian people.