The modern coat of arms of Guatemala was approved in 1968. And the first coats of arms of this country were approved back in the 19th century. Since then, they have been modified several times.
The main components of the coat of arms and their symbols
- Olive tree branch. She symbolizes victory.
- Bird Quetzal. She is a symbol of the freedom of the Guatemalan people.
- A scroll with the inscription in Spanish: "September 15 - the year of the declaration of independence of Central America."
- Remington rifles (crossed). They warn that Guatemala is constantly ready to fight for its independence.
- Crossed swords. They are symbols of honor.
How the coat of arms appeared
The coat of arms of this country arose back in 1871, on the basis of a decorative composition that was used to decorate the palace on the occasion of the arrival of liberal power. The liberals liked the drawing very much, and they decided to approve it as the state emblem.
The quetzal bird was not taken by accident: it was used as an emblem in different regions of Guatemala back in the 40s. 19th century. And it was also chosen as an emblem because it is sacred among the local population. Its feathers adorned nobles, rulers and were considered inviolable.
Different coat of arms modifications
Over the years, the coat of arms of Guatemala had different types and forms. So, during the period of the united provinces of Central America, the symbols of the Great French Revolution were used. The main symbol is an equilateral triangle and a chain of five volcanoes. A cap of the Phrygian type is also used.
In the period 1825 - 1842. some modifications have taken place in the coat of arms. First of all, the inscription on it changed and began to mean "State of Guatemala and the federation of the center." The inscription was surrounded by a quiver, arrows, cornucopia, bow, arrows, and also palm branches. The date of the declaration of independence by Guatemala also appeared.
The same inscription was preserved in 1843 - the time of the next modification of the coat of arms. And instead of the Phrygian cap, a sun disk appeared on the coat of arms. The bow, arrows, cornucopia have disappeared from the coat of arms, and an olive tree branch has been added.
Its next modification took place back in 1858. At that time, the column with the inscription on it, arrows disappeared from the coat of arms, and the volcanoes became similar to those that were on the coat of arms in the colonial period. The sun moved to the top of the coat of arms. The whole image was surrounded by four new flags, as well as a wreath of oak and laurel. The coat of arms was most similar to the modern one.
