In April 1995, the state symbol of one of the republics that are part of the Russian Federation, namely the coat of arms of Buryatia, was approved. A laconic, stylish emblem in the language of symbols tells about the main treasures of the region, its historical past filled with events, demonstrates striving for the future.
Description of the coat of arms
The main heraldic sign of the Republic of Buryatia includes several main and secondary elements that have one or another symbolic meaning. The authors of the sketch considered the strict selection of the palette for the elements of the coat of arms, where, firstly, the colors of the national flag are present, and secondly, the colors known in the world heraldry are used - gold, shades of blue and green.
The official symbol of the republic is a shield of the traditional French form for modern Russia, with rounded lower ends and a sharp point in the center. In the center of the shield there is a circle, it consists of three colors that coincide with the colors of the state flag of Buryatia.
The following elements are inscribed in this ideal form from the point of view of philosophy:
- golden soyombo, a symbol traditionally associated with eternal life among the Buryats;
- blue and white waves symbolizing Lake Baikal;
- mountain peaks, traced in different shades of green, characterizing the local landscape.
At the bottom of the circle you can see a blue ribbon, this element has an unusual role. The ribbon does not belong to a decorative frame, it is not a symbol of an order or medal. This is the so-called "hadak", another well-known symbol in Buryatia, which means the hospitality of the local population towards the guests of the republic.
On color photos, book and magazine illustrations, the coat of arms looks stylish due to colors that are quite rare in world heraldry.
Everything according to the law
15 years after the approval of the main symbol of Buryatia, minor changes were made to the sketch of the image. First, the emblem was placed on a traditional shield. Secondly, the inscription with the name of the republic, previously depicted in the hadak, disappeared, and in two languages, Russian and Buryat.
The authorities of Buryatia are very closely monitoring that all changes to the coat of arms are clearly spelled out in local laws. For example, about the same Soyombo, you can read that it consists of a ball, which is accompanied by fire (with three tongues of flame), and a crescent.
Also in the regulatory documents it is clearly stated where the image of the main heraldic symbol of the republic may be present.
