The capital of Canada is a relatively young city, especially in comparison with many European settlements. His education is associated with the Old World and seafarers who roamed the vast ocean in search of new territories. That is why the coat of arms of Ottawa contains such interesting characters. On the other hand, various Indian tribes have long lived in these territories. Symbols associated with the indigenous inhabitants also found a place on the main heraldic symbol of the Canadian city.
Complex composition
Every year, on January 1, residents of Ottawa not only solemnly celebrate the New Year, but also the birthday of the coat of arms. It was this day in 1955 that marked the beginning of a new life for the city, which acquired its own official symbol. And, interestingly, the townspeople were in no hurry, because the image was approved back in September 1954.
From the point of view of the composition of the main heraldic symbol of Ottawa, everything is traditional here. The following important elements are present:
- a shield decorated with symbolic drawings;
- supporters in the images of two men standing on a green base;
- a silver ribbon with an inscription - the so-called motto of Ottawa;
- helmet with basting and windbreak;
- pine and oak at the top of the composition.
The coat of arms of the Canadian capital looks rather complicated, since various figures, objects, symbols are used. The same applies to the palette: here they use both the main heraldic colors - silver, scarlet, azure, and very rare, for example, shades of gray, used to paint items of clothing. In general, the image resembles a drawing, moreover, made not by a professional artist or designer, but by a child.
Meaning of symbols
The central place on the coat of arms is occupied by a shield, divided into several fields, each with its own elements. The lower field - silver with a wavy azure cross - is a symbol of the confluence of rivers, near which a new settlement was formed.
The crown is a tribute to Queen Victoria who made Ottawa a capital city. The maple leaf, of course, without explanation, is one of the main symbols of the country. In the upper scarlet part of the shield, there are three more symbols:
- arrows associated with the Indians;
- astrolabe of the first explorer of territories;
- a grenade, picks and shovels are tools of labor, symbols of the construction of the canal and the city.
The supporters are also interesting: to the left of the shield is a security officer dressed in full dress, to the right is a tree cutter, which is easily recognizable by the characteristic shape of an ax. The city's motto can be translated as "Ottawa is always at the forefront."
