The coat of arms of Burkina Faso was approved relatively recently - only in 1997. The modern coat of arms has many features in common with the coat of arms of Upper Volta, but it differs from the coat of arms of past colonial times.
What is the coat of arms
The coat of arms of Burkina Faso is a shield in the colors of the country's flag - red and green. Slightly above the shield is the name of the African country. Below the shield is the national motto in French. Translated, it means "Unity, Progress and Justice." This was the motto of Upper Volta before the revolutionary events in 1984. The shield is supported by two white horses. Such elements were also used in the old coat of arms of Upper Volta.
What were the very first coats of arms
The very first coat of arms of the country was created back in 1960, when Upper Volta gained independence. That coat of arms is very reminiscent of the modern emblem of the country. However, it had the following characteristic elements:
- The entire coat of arms (more precisely, its background) was blue;
- In the center of the coat of arms was a shield in black, white and red. It contained the inscription "RHV". The inscription consists of the first three letters of the French name of the country - the Republic of Upper Volta.
- The shield was held by two horses.
- At the bottom of the shield was an image of two hoes.
- At the top of the shield there was an inscription, exactly repeating the modern motto of the state.
The meaning of the symbols of the modern coat of arms
As a result of the political changes that have taken place in this country, the coat of arms of Burkina Faso has been radically changed. After the name of the country changed, the coat of arms became round. In addition, the country's motto was radically changed. Translated from French, it meant: "Homeland or death, we will win." At the top of the circle, due to the fact that the country announced its socialist path, there was an image of a five-pointed star.
The coat of arms of Burkina Faso contains the following symbols:
- Two stallions are the nobility of the people inhabiting the country, and it is also a demonstration of the strength of the people.
- The shield is patriotism and protection of the nation, as well as the need to defend the country. He keeps Burkina Faso safe.
- Spears are a symbol of the determination of the people who defend their country from enemies.
- Thorns are the pursuit of food security and self-sufficiency. They show the desire of all peoples who live on the territory of the country for prosperity and abundance.
