Canadian Montreal is one of the most unique cities in the world. Its peculiarity lies in the originality of the area in which it is located. It is a scattering of river islands separated by water canals. It would seem, at first glance, not the most convenient place to build a city, but the locals managed to turn all the disadvantages into advantages.
Modern Montreal is a green, picturesque and very cozy city with many secluded corners. Skyscrapers here quite coexist with old mansions, so hunters for successful photographs of ancient monuments value this city very much. The coat of arms of Montreal itself can be called a peculiar monument of antiquity. And although it was officially adopted quite recently, its entire history is encrypted in it.
History of the coat of arms of Montreal
The idea of giving the city its own coat of arms began in the middle of the 19th century, right after Canada ceased to be a French colony. Unfortunately, the city authorities then postponed the issue, and because of subsequent events in the world, they completely forgot about it, in order to remember it again already in 1981. At the same time, the coat of arms was officially adopted.
Description of the coat of arms
Considering the city's past, the coat of arms of Montreal is decorated in the best Western European traditions. Therefore, unlike the same American cities, it is particularly informative and beautifully decorated. In total, the composition contains the following:
- double crossed shield;
- flowers;
- Maple leaves;
- beaver gnawing a log;
- ribbon with the motto of the city.
In this case, the heraldic lily, or Fleur-de-lis, speaks of French roots. In the Middle Ages, it was this sign that was the main element of the coats of arms and emblems of cities belonging to the French crown.
Montreal also had a short period of stay in the British Kingdom (after Britain's victory in the Seven Years' War). The creators of the coat of arms also noted this with the help of an English rose.
The following thistle and shamrock are a kind of tribute to the Scottish and Irish emigrants, who made up a solid percentage of the population of Montreal.
The rest of the symbols are signs of honor for Canada and their presence brings a note of patriotism to the coat of arms. For example, the beaver is a traditional symbol of this state, as well as maple leaves.
The final touch of the composition can be considered the motto of the city, which in Latin means "well-being in harmony", which is the best fit for such a lively and multinational settlement.
