It seemed that this former Spanish colony had recently taken a free road, meanwhile, for almost a hundred years, it had not changed its main state symbol. And even then, in 1924, the coat of arms of Colombia underwent minor changes compared to the previous official symbol, approved in 1834.
Symbols of old Europe and new America
Firstly, the coat of arms of Colombia is characterized by the richness and richness of the palette of tones and shades. On it you can see: beautiful pomegranate fruit; two golden horns; the red Phrygian cap, a symbol of the freedom of the European and American peoples; azure ocean expanses and two sailboats; condor.
Secondly, each of the symbols depicted on the coat of arms is filled with deep meaning, referring to different pages of the history of Colombia. For example, the pomegranate placed at the top reminds of the happy time of liberation from the Spanish colonialists, when the territories were named New Granada.
Two kind of cornucopia express the hope that the country's wealth will grow, with one horn filled with gold coins as a symbol of prosperity, the other with edible plants symbolizing the fertility of the earth.
The red Phrygian cap has been known since the European Middle Ages, as the main symbol of those fighting for freedom and independence. Colombians did not have such headdresses, but found a place on the country's coat of arms.
There are also symbolic images of the oceanic expanses, since Colombia had access to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This strategic position contributed to the economic independence of the state, and could not fail to find reflection on the main emblem of the country.
Another symbol of freedom is the condor, which lives only in the Andes; in his hands he holds a laurel branch, with which the winners were symbolically honored.
The image of the coat of arms of Colombia is complemented by state flags.
Opponents of the coat of arms
At the moment, the coat of arms of Colombia is actively criticized by a number of figures who demand a change in the state symbol, bringing it in line with the current situation.
In their opinion, an endangered condor, which also feeds on carrion, cannot be a symbol of a state striving for independence and development. The second argument they cite concerns the pomegranate, which, although a reminder of New Granada, is not currently grown in the country.
They also indicate that most of the symbols are not national, but came from Europe, including the red cap, olive branch and cornucopia.
