Among the Russian heraldic symbols there are quite modest, laconic and, on the contrary, pleasing with the brightness of colors, an abundance of precious shades, well-known symbols. One of them is the coat of arms of Krasnoyarsk, it exists in small, medium and “solemn” versions.
Description of the Krasnoyarsk coat of arms
In 2010, the main heraldic symbol of the city was finalized, its new version was approved. The so-called status elements appeared - supporters, in the images of the unicorn and the horse popular in European heraldry. Animals are depicted in silver on a gold base, which looks like a floral ornament. Thanks to precious shades, the coat of arms of Krasnoyarsk now really looks solemn, magnificent, brilliant.
Until that time, the heraldic symbol of the regional center could be presented in two versions: in the form of a scarlet shield with the image of a golden lion; the same shield topped with a tower crown and a laurel wreath.
The lion is shown standing on its hind legs, turned for the viewer to the left, in heraldry - to the right. In its front paws, a formidable animal holds tools of labor, symbolizing the occupation of the first settlers. There is a shovel in the right paw of a lion, it is associated with natural resources, minerals, which the Siberian land is so rich in. In the left paw of the predator there is a sickle as a symbol of agriculture.
The golden crown crowning the composition is presented as a part of the fortress wall with five towers. This headdress of monarchs traditionally symbolizes strong power. The crown is complemented by a golden laurel wreath, such a neighborhood can often be seen on the heraldic symbols of many cities in Russia.
The significance of the laurel wreath is also explained simply, since the time of Ancient Greece, such a headdress was first crowned with the winners of the Olympic Games, and later with those who won in any business - sports, politics, culture. In addition, the duet of the crown and laurel wreath emphasizes the city's status as the center of the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
Special supporters
In the role of supporters on the official symbol of this regional center, there are a unicorn and a horse. And although they were approved in this "position" quite recently, in fact for Krasnoyarsk, or rather, for its heraldic symbols, these are quite familiar characters.
The unicorn was depicted on the earliest seal that belonged to the Krasnoyarsk prison and dates back to 1644. This mythological animal symbolizes purity, innocence, purification.
The horse appeared on the official symbol of the city in 1804, while Krasnoyarsk was subordinate to Tomsk. By tradition, this animal is associated with power, courage, and space.
