The national coat of arms of Finland is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and identity. It features a crowned lion holding a sword and a branch of roses on a red shield. The lion is standing on a field of blue and white waves, representing the country’s lakes and seas. The coat of arms is surrounded by nine roses, which symbolize the historical provinces of Finland.
The colors of the coat of arms are significant. Red represents courage and strength, while blue represents the country’s lakes and skies. White symbolizes purity and snow, which is a common feature of the Finnish landscape. The crown on top of the lion’s head represents the country’s monarchy, which was abolished in 1917 when Finland gained independence from Russia.
The history of the Finnish coat of arms dates back to the Middle Ages. The lion was first used as a symbol of the Swedish Empire, which ruled Finland from the 13th century until the early 19th century. The rose was added to the coat of arms in the 16th century, when Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. The current design of the coat of arms was adopted in 1978, after Finland became a republic.
The lion on the coat of arms is a powerful symbol of Finland’s strength and independence. It represents the country’s history as a part of the Swedish Empire, as well as its struggle for independence from Russia. The sword held by the lion symbolizes the country’s readiness to defend itself against any threat. The branch of roses represents peace and prosperity, which are important values for the Finnish people.
The waves on the shield represent the country’s many lakes and seas, which are an important part of the Finnish landscape. Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” and its coastline is one of the longest in the world. The blue and white waves on the shield also represent the country’s flag, which features a blue cross on a white background.
The nine roses surrounding the coat of arms represent the historical provinces of Finland. These provinces were established in the Middle Ages and were used as administrative divisions until the early 20th century. The provinces are: Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Tavastia, Karelia, Savonia, Ostrobothnia, Vaasa, Åland, and Lapland.
The coat of arms is an important symbol of Finland’s national identity. It is used on official documents, coins, and stamps, as well as on the uniforms of the Finnish military. The coat of arms is also featured on the presidential standard, which is flown when the president is in residence.
In conclusion, the national coat of arms of Finland is a powerful symbol of the country’s sovereignty and identity. It features a crowned lion holding a sword and a branch of roses on a red shield, surrounded by nine roses representing the historical provinces of Finland. The colors of the coat of arms are significant, with red representing courage and strength, blue representing the country’s lakes and skies, and white symbolizing purity and snow. The coat of arms is an important part of Finland’s history and national identity, and it continues to be a source of pride for the Finnish people.