On the main state emblems of many European countries, you can see historical symbols dating back to previous centuries. For example, the coat of arms of Spain is a set of coats of arms of states that were located on its territories in the Middle Ages.
The main symbol of this small European power is beautiful, solemn and can tell a lot about the history of the formation and development of the modern Spanish state.
Symbols and signs
A person who is interested in the history of modern Spain will find it easy and simple to isolate the symbols of the states that have ever existed on its territory. Among the important symbols of the coat of arms stand out:
- the outline of a medieval castle is a symbol of Castile;
- the stylized image of a lion is Leon, understandable practically without translation;
- a pomegranate reminiscent of Andalusia, the former Emirate of Granada;
- linked chains related to Navarre;
- four red stripes on a gold background - Aragon.
In addition to signs telling about the medieval Spanish states and regions, other symbols are depicted on the coat of arms, and they are assigned the main places.
Royal coat of arms
The central place on the coat of arms of Spain is given to the royal insignia. First, there is an oval shield on which lilies are drawn - symbols of the royal family. In this case, they act as representatives of the Angevin branch of the Bourbon dynasty, it is to her that the royal family belongs and, of course, the king himself. Flowers of golden color are depicted on an azure field. Secondly, since Spain is a kingdom, it would be impossible to do without the crown - the main symbol of the monarchy. It is she who crowns the coat of arms, and columns are placed on its sides - a reminder of the Pillars of Hercules, as Gibraltar was formerly called. In ancient times, it was believed that the end of the world was here, until the Spanish travelers overcame their fear and set off to discover distant overseas countries.
No limit
A story is associated with Spanish sailors, which affects the motto depicted on the coat of arms of Spain. Originally there was an inscription in Latin - "Non Plus Ultra", which could be translated as "nowhere else." It was necessary to urgently make changes to the motto, since the curious Christopher Columbus boldly sent ships into the open sea and found the promised land, however, not India, but America.
The inscription has undergone changes, visually small - the first word has disappeared, but the meaning has radically changed. Now the motto of the Spanish coat of arms and the state is "Plus Ultra", which translates as "there is no limit for people seeking, dreaming, doing."
