According to the definition that the coat of arms of Veliky Novgorod received in the world famous Internet encyclopedia, it is an identification and legal mark and an official symbol. It was not only approved by the local authorities, but also passed the registration procedure in the State Heraldic Register of Russia.
Description of the heraldic symbol
If we consider the coat of arms of Veliky Novgorod, we can note, firstly, the choice of the traditional (French) form for the shield, and, secondly, the presence of popular symbolic elements. The color version shows that the colors of precious metals, silver and gold deserve special attention from the authors of the sketch.
People who are not privy to the particulars and traditions of heraldic science may be surprised by the individual elements and their placement. There may even be a feeling that the authors of the image were in some confusion about which symbols are the main ones and which ones could be abandoned, so they did not come up with anything else how to leave everything, making some kind of a pyramid out of them.
At the heart of the main official symbol of Veliky Novgorod is a shield of traditional shape, divided into two unequal fields horizontally. In the lower azure field there are four fish, facing each other with their heads. The color of the field and elements remind of the city's water resources, the original crafts of local residents.
In terms of the number of elements and the color palette, the upper field of the shield, painted in silver, is more interesting. The following symbols are located in this part of the city's coat of arms:
- the golden throne of the monarch with a high back and a scarlet cushion on the seat;
- a gold candlestick mounted on the back of the throne;
- three silver burning candles in a candlestick;
- golden scepter and cross, as symbols of earthly and heavenly power.
In addition, supporters are important persons on the coat of arms of Veliky Novgorod. Black bears play their role. On the one hand, these are the popular inhabitants of the local forests, on the other, they are frequent visitors to the world heraldic symbols. The color photo demonstrates the splendor, splendor of the city's coat of arms, the symbolic meaning is revealed by the elements depicted on it.
Facts from history
The modern coat of arms of the city is based on the historical symbol of Veliky Novgorod, approved in 1781. But he also had his "predecessor" as a prototype of the seal, which was kept by the Novgorod governor. The purpose of use is to seal the armistice certificates, the production time is 1565.
