The national coat of arms of the Netherlands is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and identity. It features a shield with a lion rampant, holding a sword and arrows, surrounded by a golden crown and supported by two lions. The shield is divided into four quarters, each representing a different region of the Netherlands.
The colors used in the coat of arms are red, white, blue, and gold. These colors are also found in the Dutch flag, which is one of the oldest national flags in the world. The red, white, and blue stripes of the flag represent the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are the foundation of the Dutch society.
The lion rampant on the coat of arms is a symbol of courage, strength, and nobility. It is also a reference to the historical ties between the Netherlands and the House of Orange-Nassau, which has used the lion as its emblem since the 16th century. The sword and arrows held by the lion represent the power and readiness of the Netherlands to defend itself against its enemies.
The golden crown above the shield is a symbol of the sovereignty of the Netherlands. It represents the authority of the Dutch monarch, who is the head of state and the symbol of national unity. The two lions supporting the shield are also a reference to the House of Orange-Nassau, which has used two lions as its supporters since the 19th century.
The history of the national coat of arms of the Netherlands can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The lion rampant was already used as a symbol of the Counts of Holland, who ruled the region from the 10th to the 16th century. The shield with the four quarters was added in the 16th century, when the Netherlands became a republic and the provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, and Gelderland joined forces against the Spanish Empire.
The current version of the national coat of arms was adopted in 1815, when the Netherlands became a kingdom under the House of Orange-Nassau. The design was based on the coat of arms of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, which included Belgium and Luxembourg. After the secession of Belgium in 1830, the coat of arms was modified to remove the quarter representing Belgium.
The national coat of arms of the Netherlands is an important symbol of the country’s history, culture, and values. It represents the Dutch people’s commitment to freedom, democracy, and justice, as well as their pride in their heritage and achievements. The coat of arms is used on official documents, coins, stamps, and other national emblems, and is displayed on public buildings, monuments, and memorials throughout the country.