The small European power is holding itself with dignity, but modestly. The coat of arms of Switzerland is identical to the flag, it is a red shield with a white cross. At first glance, everything seems very simple, almost primitive, but this simplicity has a deep meaning.
The second point, which is noted by guests of the country visiting Switzerland for official or tourist purposes, is the presence of a coat of arms for each Swiss canton. Here you can see the variety and variegation of colors.
Depth and meaning
Red and white colors are present in the official symbols of many modern states, and almost always they indicate the desire for independence, freedom, the fight against external enemies or occupiers. The same can be said for Switzerland - red and white (or silver, according to heraldic traditions) are symbols of independence. The cross also emphasizes the inviolability of this country's sovereignty.
Back centuries
The white cross on the red shield has been a symbol for more than one century, the emblem has hardly undergone any changes, although the official approval took place a little more than a century ago.
An important event for every Swiss is celebrated annually on December 12, 1889, but the roots are to be found in the distant past. Back in 1339, in the grandiose battle of Laupen, Swiss arrows went into battle under the protection of red shields with a white cross. Also, such a symbol was present on battle flags.
The Swiss Confederation, formed in the 16th century, also chooses a white cross on a red background as the main state symbol. Some historians have put forward a version that the cross first appeared on the battle flags of one of the cantons of Switzerland. Moreover, opinions were divided, one part of the scientists assures that the flags of the canton of Bern, which took on the main role in the unification of the Confederation, were decorated with such symbols. Others adhere to the idea that the cross belonged to the canton of Schwyz and symbolized the crucifixion.
Coats of arms of the cantons
Residents of each canton of Switzerland in official symbols tried to emphasize their uniqueness, unlike their closest neighbors, to capture the main historical events.
So, on the coat of arms of Bern is a black bear, the same animal is present on the official symbols of the cantons of Appenzel and St. Gallen. The inhabitants of the canton of Uri consider the bull to be sacred, the Aarau - the eagle, the Schaffhausen - the sheep. You can see chickens and a black goat, a wise snake and a red lion. The same applies to the variety of colors present on the symbols of the cantons: black, white (silver), red, azure.
