Many cities in the world, located near water sources, choose elements associated with the elements of the god Neptune for their official symbols. So, the coat of arms of Helsinki, stylish and laconic, emphasizes the importance of water in the emergence and development of the city.
Description of the modern coat of arms
The inhabitants of the Finnish capital are proud of their main heraldic sign, on which there are not so many elements, but each of them is important. The modern image was introduced not so long ago, a significant event has been celebrated since 1951.
The author of the concept, Arne Wilhelm Ranken, is well known in his homeland not only as an architect, a person with an artistic education and taste, but also as a historian. Therefore, on the one hand, he managed to choose elements and symbols that are significant for the Finns, on the other hand, to clothe them in an ideal graphic form.
The main heraldic sign of Helsinki contains the following components:
- a golden boat, in a sense symbolizing a port city;
- waves reminiscent of the geographical location of the settlement;
- a crown adorned with precious metals as a symbol of strong and indivisible power.
In addition, the color palette is very stylish, a combination of three colors is used - silver (white), gold (yellow) and azure, which symbolizes both sea and heavenly distances.
Through the pages of maritime history
Over the centuries, and the coat of arms of Helsinki has a rather long history, its image has changed several times. Moreover, as noted by experts in the field of heraldry, the changes were quite dramatic, but always associated with the element of water.
The earliest documents have city seals depicting the tail of a salmon, one of Finland's valuable commercial fish, and the waves of a stream. These seals can be seen in photos in tourist brochures and books on the history of the city.
In 1639, a new coat of arms was officially approved, which was attended by waves, this time not streams, but seas. A vehicle also appeared - a red Finnish boat, which was later destined to become a real legend and the main symbol of the country.
A little later, a golden crown was added to the image, evil tongues say that it was borrowed from the main heraldic symbol of the Swedish kingdom. But, on the other hand, this symbol of monarchical power became a tribute to Gustav Vase, who is considered the founder of Helsinki.
