The coat of arms of Ecuador is a product of evolution in views. The current main emblem of this South American country was approved by Congress in October 1900. It was based on an earlier emblem, which depicts flags of white-blue-white colors. Some modern elements of the Ecuadorian coat of arms were seen on the coats of arms of 1830, 1835 and 1843, which allows us to interpret such a trend as a certain evolution of views. So, the coat of arms of 1830 was almost a copy of the coat of arms of Greater Colombia, but the golden Sun and the signs of the zodiac had already appeared on it. These elements were then transferred to the emblem of 1835, and the condor is already depicted on the coat of arms of 1843.
Modern emblem of Ecuador
The centerpiece of the modern coat of arms of Ecuador is an oval shield. This shield was carried over from the coat of arms of 1843, but before that, a Spanish-style shield was depicted instead. This shield depicts the snow-capped peak of Ecuador's highest point, the extinct volcano Chimborazo. In the nineteenth century, this peak was revered as the highest point on the planet. At the foot of this mountain, the Guayas River begins to flow, which also found its place on the main emblem of Ecuador.
One of the largest cities in the country, Guayaquil, is located on the Guayas River, where the first steamship of the western coast of South America was built. This event took place in 1841. The steamer was named Guayas and they did not forget to take a place for it on their coat of arms. However, instead of the usual mast, they depicted a caduceus on the ship. At the top of the shield are the golden Sun and the signs of the Zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer. At the top of the oval shield is the Condor, spreading its broad wings over the four flags of Ecuador. To the left of the shield you can see laurel, to the right - palm leaves. The lower part of the emblem is occupied by the fascia.
The symbolism of the coat of arms of Ecuador
Each element of the main emblem of Ecuador symbolizes a different aspect of the worldview of the Ecuadorian people.
- The zodiac signs symbolize the duration of the March 1845 revolution.
- The painting from Chimborazo and the Guayas River reflects the wealth of the Sierra and Costa.
- The condor is a symbol of the power and greatness of the state.
- The laurel depicts the glory of Ecuador.
- The palm leaf has become a symbol of peace.
- The dignity of the Ecuadorian Republic is indicated by the depicted fascia.
It has its own symbolism and is depicted instead of the mast by the caduceus of the steamer Guayas. It stands for trade and successful economic development.
