The modern coat of arms of Georgia was approved in 2004. It is a large red shield supported by two golden lions. On it is an image of a silver figure of St. George (the main patron of the state), who kills a dragon with a spear. Above, above the shield, is a golden Georgian crown. The modern emblem was created under the influence of cultural traditions. Therefore, in order to understand what each of its elements symbolizes, one should consider the heraldic history of Georgian lands.
Ancient history and heraldry of Georgia
Even before our era, there were two kingdoms on the modern territory of Georgia: Iberian and Colchis. The banner of the ruler of Colchis Vakhtang I is one of the oldest relics. Later, the Georgian lands were part of different states: the Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Arab Caliphate. But the closest ties were established with Great Armenia. It was under her influence that Christianity was adopted in Georgia. And then, for the first time, the image of the Chiton of the Lord appears in the symbolism of the ruling Bagrationi dynasty. The same drawing was the main element of the coat of arms of Vakhtang VI. The coat of arms of the Bagrationi dynasty was a shield, according toon the sides of which stood two lions. The four fields of the shield contained the following images: a golden orb, a harp, a sling, a crossed scepter and a saber.
At this time, the image of George the Victorious also appears - the most revered of the saints on the territory of Georgia and Ossetia. The appearance of the legend of St. George the Victorious is associated with the activities of St. Nina (IV century).
Emblem of the Kingdom of Georgia
Coat of arms of Georgia in the 19th century. was a combination of symbols of the Caucasian lands, which at that time were part of the Russian Empire.
- The first part symbolized Iberia. A silver horse was depicted on a red background. Eight-pointed stars were located at two corners.
- The second part of the shield symbolized Kartaliniya. A fire-breathing mountain was depicted against a golden background. She was pierced by two black arrows.
- The third part is a symbol of the Kabardian territories. A small golden shield was depicted on a blue background. He lay on two silver crossed arrows. A red crescent was drawn in the middle of the shield.
- The fourth part is the symbol of Armenia. A red lion crowned with a crown was drawn on a golden background.
- The tip of the coat of arms symbolized the lands of the Cherkasy and Mountain princes. Against a golden background, a Circassian was depicted, who was sitting on a black galloping horse.
- The coat of arms of Georgia was located on the central shield. It depicted George the Victorious piercing a dragon with a spear.
Coat of arms of the Georgian Democratic Republic
Let's consider the flag and coat of arms of Georgia in 1918-1921. It should be noted that the Georgian Democratic Republic was created on the territory of the Batumi region and two provinces: Tiflis and Kutaisi. The authors of the main symbols of the new education were I. A. Charleman and Ya. I. Nikoladze.
Coat of arms of Georgia in 1918-1921 was a star with seven ends. In its center was a brown shield, on which George the Victorious was depicted, sitting on a white horse. In his right hand he held a spear of gold, and in his left a shield. Above St. George were depicted eight-pointed stars (5 pieces), as well as the month and the sun.
Flag of Georgia in 1918-1921 was a cornel-colored cloth (a dark shade of red). In the upper left corner there were two stripes: black and white. They symbolized the main colors of the Kartli-Kakheti kingdom.
Flag and coat of arms of Georgia during the Soviet period
The Georgian SSR was proclaimed in 1921. The authors of its coat of arms were I. A. Charleman and E. E. Lansere. They were one of the founders of the Georgian Democratic Republic in 1918. That is why the coat of arms of the GSSR was significantly different from other socialist symbols. It sounded more national than traditional Soviet motives.
In 1990, the main symbol of the republic returns to itself even more national motifs. Accurate description of the coat of arms of Georgia 1990-2004 can be found in the amendments to the Constitution of the GSSR. It was a seven-pointed star, decorated with an ornament. In its center was drawn a circle of dogwood color. ATthere was St. George on a white horse, which stood on top of a mountain. In his hand the Victorious held a spear. On top of it were 5 eight-pointed silver stars, the moon and the sun.
Modern coat of arms of Georgia: meaning
The main elements of the modern coat of arms of this state:
- Red shield.
- Silver figure of George the Victorious (patron of the state).
- Georgian crown (symbol of the Bagrationi dynasty).
- Golden lions supporting the shield.
- Inscription: "Strength in unity."
Georgy the Victorious on the Georgian coat of arms is a symbol of Christian traditions and values. The image of this saint embodies the strength, will and unity of the people. The main colors - red and gold - carry power and we alth. At the same time, there are white and silver shades on the Georgian coat of arms. They symbolize the purity and power of the people in their state.
