The state heraldry operating under the President of Russia recommended that cities and regions keep the coats of arms that were in force until 1917. In accordance with these rules, the coat of arms of Smolensk was restored, but it was supplemented with symbols that appeared already in Soviet times.
The authors, when developing a modern sketch, were based on the rules of world heraldry, but they introduced symbols associated with the new merits of Smolensk to Russia.
Description of the Smolensk coat of arms
The main difference between the heraldic symbol of this Russian city is that, along with the French shield with the main symbol elements, a fairly large number of details are presented in the frame.
Also on the coat of arms of Smolensk there are many ribbons associated with historical realities. Because of this, the composition is difficult to perceive, which can be seen in the photo or in the illustration, the following elements stand out in the image:
- a French shield with a cannon and a bird;
- Monomakh's hat, decorated with precious stones, sable fur;
- a golden five-pointed star, a symbol of Smolensk, the hero-city;
- two red banners with monograms;
- ribbons associated with awarding the city with orders;
- a motto that is quite rare in Russian heraldry.
With such an abundance of large and small details on the city's coat of arms, it is important to note that its color palette is quite restrained. At the same time, the most popular colors in European heraldry were chosen - scarlet, silver, gold. They are dominant, in the color of individual parts there are azure, black, brown colors.
The meaning of the coat of arms
When describing the heraldic symbol of Smolensk, it is very important to know with which historical events this or that element is associated. First of all, the city is known for its fortress, a source of pride for the inhabitants of the regional center. This means that the settlement has always played the most important role in the defense of the Russian borders.
Two red banners appeared on the coat of arms after the decree of the Russian emperor (1857), granting this right to the residents of the city who showed heroism and courage in battles. The banners depict the monogram of M. Shein, who led the defense of Smolensk in 1609-1611, and the emperor Alexander I.
The motto "Glorified by the Fortress" is considered a sign of honor and solemnity, reflecting the high position of the city. The main criteria for selecting a motto are capacity, ambiguity, expressiveness, reflection of historical realities.
