This coat of arms dates back to the Middle Ages and originates from the coat of arms of the Duchy of Limburg. The coat of arms of Luxembourg has a long and interesting history, because this state is one of the few kingdoms-duchies in the world. Officially, the modern version of the coat of arms was approved in 1972.
The oldest history of the coat of arms
The coat of arms is associated with a number of historical facts and events that determine the development of the ancient duchy. Here are some important historical highlights:
- The first mention of it is in the 13th century. Already in the family coat of arms of Valram III of Limburg there is an image of a lion with a double tail.
- The double-tailed eagle also rises from the depths of the 13th century. Its appearance is due to the marriage ties of the daughter of Count Heinrich the Blind and Walram III.
- The coat of arms remained practically unchanged throughout its history of existence, despite the fact that representatives of other dynasties ruled Luxembourg. The number of stripes on the coat of arms also changed: there was a time when there were fourteen of them, but there were four.
- The lion also changed in the coat of arms. At first he was red and unarmed. Sometimes he had one tail, and sometimes he was without a crown.
Description of the coat of arms
It is a shield with ten horizontal stripes in blue and silver. It depicts a red lion with two tails and a crown. The lion has a golden tongue. The lion is crowned with the crown of the Grand Duke.
The coat of arms has supporters. These are two golden-colored lions with a crown. Lions have red tongues, but their muzzles are turned away from the shield. The shield is surrounded by a ribbon bearing the insignia of the Order of the Oak Crown. All this integral composition is placed on the mantle and crowned with the crown of the Grand Duke. In addition, the medium and small coat of arms is applied. The middle coat of arms is a shield with a supporter, without a ribbon. Small coat of arms is a coat of arms with a crown.
What do the main figures of the coat of arms mean
The shield holders are two heraldic lions with a crown on their heads. They are painted in a heraldic golden color and are installed on a golden pedestal. These are the main heraldic symbols. The lower part of the shield of the coat of arms is surrounded by a yellow-green ribbon. It is complemented by the Order of the Oak Wreath. This order is the highest state award in Luxembourg.
The lion is the power of royalty, enshrined in the country's Constitution. It is also a stylized image of courage, courage. The crown of the coat of arms symbolizes the power and inviolability of royal power, as well as the very dynasty of the duke.
