Coat of arms of Belgium: photo, meaning, description
Coat of arms of Belgium
Whose main official symbol can give odds to all countries of the planet is the coat of arms of Belgium. It is majestic, lush, richly decorated with elements that indicate a long history and loyalty to the monarchy. Over the centuries, of course, the symbol of royal power has changed several times. Its modern appearance was approved by a royal decree of March 17, 1837.
For use in various official cases, variants of the large and small Belgian coat of arms have been introduced. The difference between them is in the number of elements. Another important point, the main theses are embodied in the Constitution of the country, and it is emphasized that it is the people who accept gold, red and black as the main colors, as well as the Belgian lion as a symbol of the country and the monarchy. There is also a motto: «Unity gives strength».
Great Belgian coat of arms
A detailed description of the main symbol of the country will require more than one page, but if you also explain why this or that symbol is in one color or another, you will get a whole treatise. A short list of the main elements can be presented as follows: the reared lion is the main character; gold helmet; sceptres; the precious chain of the Order of Leopold; lions supporting the shield; royal mantle serving as a background; grand ducal crown; banners with coats of arms, crowning the composition.
This beautiful, solemn coat of arms is used on special occasions, it is sealed by treaties on international cooperation between Belgium and other countries of the world, as well as laws.
Small coat of arms of Belgium
This official symbol is used by the government of the country. The number of elements in the small coat of arms has been reduced, although the main ones remain. On the black shield, the central place is occupied by the same lion, except for him, there are the Order of Leopold with a chain, crossing sceptres. The heraldic composition is crowned with a crown.
Due to the fact that there is no mantle, and the chain of the order looks very graceful, then the whole coat of arms seems airy, lighter, not as pompous and dazzling as its large «colleague». And in size it is almost half the size of the large Belgian coat of arms. Lions supporting the shield, a purple mantle, an ermine lined with expensive fur and beautifully draped, shields depicting the coats of arms of the Belgian provinces - all this visually greatly complicates the composition, but you can admire such splendor and sophistication indefinitely.