There are several tiny states on the map of Europe, while they enjoy authority and respect from close neighbors, as well as geographically distant countries. The citizens of San Marino, for example, are proud to live in the oldest republic in the world. And the coat of arms of San Marino, which appeared in the 16th century, is considered the main symbol of sovereignty and freedom.
Description of the coat of arms of San Marino
The color palette of the main symbol of this state is restrained and not rich. The main colors are: gold (yellow) and green (olive) shade. For drawing individual elements, blue, white, brown are used, the outline of individual parts is black.
The coat of arms of San Marino has the following main details:
- a golden shield of a form that is not quite usual for heraldry;
- a gold crown crowning the composition;
- a branch of a laurel tree with fruits, framing the shield on the left;
- an oak branch with acorns framing the shield on the right;
- snow-white ribbon with the motto of the country.
Each of the elements of the coat of arms plays a specific symbolic role. For example, the symbolism of the laurel has been known since antiquity; winners in military affairs and those who achieved glory in creativity were honored with a wreath of leaves of this tree. The laurel branch, in addition to the coat of arms of San Marino, can be seen on the official symbols of France, Brazil, Ethiopia, Mexico and other countries.
The branch of the oak, the king of the forests, is also well known from time immemorial in the heraldic tradition of Europe and America. The ancient Greeks considered this tree to be the patron saint of Zeus the Thunderer, therefore branches, leaves, acorns act as a kind of symbols of power, strength, invincibility. Both the laurel and the oak, which are depicted on the coat of arms of San Marino, have the same symbolic meaning.
The main elements of the shield
The central place on the coat of arms of San Marino is occupied by a golden shield; its front surface depicts a landscape: a pale blue sky and three silvery (white) towers of stone, located on three green peaks.
The towers are the same in shape and size, each decorated with an ostrich feather. They symbolize the main historical and cultural monuments of the country, the fortresses of Montale, Guaita, Chesta. The peaks of Monte Titano, depicted on the shield, are the main geographical attractions of San Marino.
The fortresses, built at one time for the defense of the borders, are not currently used for their intended purpose, but they have become a symbol of San Marino's freedom. They were honored not only to decorate the coat of arms of this country, but are also minted on local euro coins.
