The national coat of arms of Tonga is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and identity. It features a shield divided into four quarters, each representing a different aspect of Tongan culture and history. The shield is supported by two crossed axes, which represent the country’s agricultural heritage, and is topped by a crown symbolizing the monarchy.
The first quarter of the shield features a white star on a blue background, representing the guiding light of Christianity in Tonga. The second quarter depicts a red cross on a white background, symbolizing the country’s close ties to the United Kingdom, which was Tonga’s protectorate from 1900 to 1970. The third quarter shows a black and white striped sea turtle, which is a traditional symbol of Tongan royalty and represents the country’s connection to the sea. The fourth quarter features a stylized representation of a Tongan hut, which represents the country’s traditional way of life.
The colors used in the coat of arms are significant as well. Blue represents the ocean that surrounds Tonga, while red symbolizes the blood of Tongan warriors. White represents purity and peace, and black represents the people of Tonga.
The history of the Tongan coat of arms dates back to 1862, when King George Tupou I established a national flag and coat of arms for the country. The original coat of arms featured a shield with a white dove and a cross, representing the country’s Christian faith, and a crown symbolizing the monarchy. The shield was supported by two crossed swords, which represented the country’s military strength.
In 1875, King George Tupou I revised the coat of arms to include a new shield with a white dove and a cross, as well as a new motto, “God and Tonga are my inheritance.” The shield was supported by two crossed axes, which represented the country’s agricultural heritage.
In 1924, the coat of arms was revised again to include a new shield with four quarters, each representing a different aspect of Tongan culture and history. The shield was supported by two crossed axes, which represented the country’s agricultural heritage, and was topped by a crown symbolizing the monarchy.
The current version of the coat of arms was adopted in 1985, following Tonga’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1970. The design was based on the 1924 version, but with some minor changes. The shield was made larger and the colors were changed to reflect the country’s national colors of red, white, and black.
Overall, the national coat of arms of Tonga is a powerful symbol of the country’s identity and heritage. It represents Tonga’s close ties to Christianity and the United Kingdom, as well as its connection to the sea and its traditional way of life. The coat of arms is a reminder of the country’s rich history and culture, and serves as a source of pride for the Tongan people.