The history of Russia knows many examples when representatives of the kingdom of flora and fauna appear on the heraldic symbols of cities and countries, real, living in a given area, or mythical, associated with the national characteristics of the region and folklore. The coat of arms of the Tomsk region contains only one image - a rearing silver horse. This beautiful element of the coat of arms has a symbolic meaning.
Description of the heraldic sign of the Tomsk region
The coat of arms of this Russian region was born in May 1997, at the same time it was officially approved by the regional law. But at first glance, it becomes clear that the basis of the modern symbol is the historical coat of arms, which belonged to the Tomsk province. The province received this main official sign in May 1878.
At the moment, the region's heraldic sign can be depicted in two different ways. The big, or as it is also called, the festive coat of arms, consists of the following parts:
- an emerald shield with a silver animal;
- a wreath of oak leaves entwined with a two-tone ribbon;
- headdress of monarchs (gold with scarlet lining).
Accordingly, the small coat of arms (the second name is everyday) is a shield and an imperial crown. The nuances of the image - the horse is shown galloping to the right (for the viewer - to the left), silver in color, but with scarlet eyes and tongue.
The imperial crown is made of gold and richly decorated. Sometimes you can see the image of the small heraldic symbol of the Tomsk region in an even more modest version, when the crown is also missing. At the same time, the coat of arms still remains very beautiful, which can be appreciated by looking at a color photo or illustration.
From the history of the main symbol
The formation of the Tomsk province dates back to 1804, in the same period of time the first heraldic symbol of the new territorial entity appeared. The last pre-revolutionary symbol was approved in 1878.
Its image is identical to the modern heraldic sign of the region. An exception is the ribbon wrapped around oak leaves - the famous St. Andrew's ribbon was depicted on the historical coat of arms. The color palette of the two coats of arms and the symbolism of flowers are also similar. Silver is associated with hope, purity, nobility, the scarlet color is love for the homeland and the willingness to defend it, black - constancy, eternity. White and green in the ribbon of the modern coat of arms symbolize Siberia, its forest resources and purity.
