Talking about such a concept as the "coat of arms of Chicago" is most likely incorrect, since the image resembles a city seal, and is used in the activities of the Chicago authorities. First of all, this heraldic symbol of the American city gives a reference to important historical events that served as a pretext for the formation of a new settlement.
Description of the Chicago emblem
The first Europeans to appear in the territories where the modern city is now located were the French missionaries under the leadership of the Jesuit Jacques Marquette. It was he who founded the missionary post in 1674, but the city was still very far away.
Only 150 years later, a tiny settlement first appeared here, which grew at a rapid pace, in 1837 it already received the status of a city. It was this important event that took place on March 4 that was reflected on the main heraldic symbol of the "City of Winds", as Chicago is also called.
The emblem of the second most important financial center in the United States consists of the following elements inscribed in a round shield:
- a sheaf of ripe wheat ears;
- a small coat of arms painted in the colors of the country's national flag;
- a ship approaching American shores;
- a representative of the indigenous population.
A blue stripe runs along the contour of the emblem, on which the significant date of the formation of the city of Chicago is written in gold below, the name of the city on top. A sheaf of wheat is a direct reference to the main occupation of the first settlers, it also symbolizes wealth and food security.
The sailboat is depicted in a slightly heeled state, by this the authors of the coat of arms wanted to show how many difficulties awaited sailors on the way to heavenly places.
The Indian is shown standing on the green shore, the details of the national dress and the famous headdress decorated with feathers are clearly visible. He gazes intently at the approaching ship, because he does not know for what purpose the intruders arrived here. He holds a weapon in his hands, as he is ready to defend his lines.
The common symbolic meaning of these two elements is that all people have to go through some difficulties on the way to a happy future. It is important to be able to maintain dignity and a peaceful relationship, or at least strive to do so.
Two more mysterious elements are located in the inner field of the shield. One of them is the figure of a man sitting in a kind of shell. The authors have posted it at the top. The second is a red ribbon with the words “URBS in horto”, which means “City in the Garden” in Latin.
