Not so long ago, this Russian settlement was practically unknown outside the region. Today every child living in Russia knows about him, of course, because this city has been declared the birthplace of Father Frost himself. True, the coat of arms of Veliky Ustyug is decorated with an image of a completely different character, which corresponds not to Russian, but to ancient Roman mythology.
Inextricably linked with history
At first glance, it is clear that the heraldic symbol of Veliky Ustyug was not created yesterday, it is based on the coat of arms that the city received back in 1780. This period of time for the Russian Empire was characterized by the active introduction of the coats of arms of cities and regions into practice, which was facilitated by the great Catherine II.
At the same time, Veliky Ustyug acquired its own heraldic sign, and its main elements have survived to this day. Specialists in the field of heraldry note that there were still adjustments, but they concerned, firstly, changes in the color scheme of the coat of arms, and secondly, clarification of details.
Description of the coat of arms
For the coat of arms of the city of Veliky Ustyug, the most widespread French shield shape in Russia has been chosen. According to tradition, the proportions of 9: 8 are observed, the shield is rectangular, but with rounded lower ends and, conversely, a pointed base.
Conventionally, the shield can be divided into three fields, the central character is the god Neptune, a representative of ancient Roman mythology. He is shown reclining on a gold base, against a green background. The representative of the divine forces is depicted dressed in silver clothes, but with a naked torso, his head is crowned with a green laurel wreath.
Neptune has two scarlet jugs, from which water is poured, shown in silver, and one of the jugs is on the knees of the god of the water element, the second is on a golden base.
Element and palette symbology
Thanks to the popular heraldic colors used in the image of the official symbol of Veliky Ustyug, the coat of arms looks bright enough (especially in a color photo). Each representative of the palette has its own meaning:
- green background - prosperity of the city and region;
- silver - moral, spiritual purity;
- scarlet color - wealth, luxury.
There is a version that initially on the heraldic emblem of the city there was an image of an Aquarius-hero, a representative of Russian mythology. According to legend, he descended from heaven to earth to connect the waters of two rivers, the Sukhona and the South, on which Veliky Ustyug stands. This character transformed into the more famous water god - Neptune.
