The norms of the device of the Russian Federation suggest that each of the subjects of the coat of arms, flag and anthem, that is, state symbols. Samara region is no exception to this rule.
The issue of draft flag and coat of arms was considered by the deputy corps of the Provincial Duma. The date of adoption of the coat of arms of the region is considered October 13, 1998. The emblem of the Samara region, which was approved on July 5, 1878, served as a model for it.
What was the reason for the creation of the coat of arms of the Samara province?
As a rule, the emblem of the city first appeared in any region of the Russian state, and only later - the emblem of the province. The same pattern was observed in relation to Samara. The decision to establish the Samara province was made only in 1850, at a time when Nicholas I ruled the empire. Prior to this event, its administrative center had already existed for almost three hundred years.
When developing the provincial symbolism, they used the image of the coat of arms of the city as a model. The beginning of the creative process was facilitated by a revision of the emblems of Russia at the end of the 1950s. It was carried out by Köne B.V., who at that time headed the special Stamp branch in the Senate. According to Boris Vasilyevich, a wild goat should have taken the place of the Samara goat in the center .
Although the emblem of the Samara region has not undergone changes, but they heeded the wishes of the author when considering the issue of the provincial emblem. A wild goat of silver color appeared on the canvas, his tongue and eyes were dark red, golden horns flaunted on his head , hooves were painted black.
Above, the azure shield was decorated with a huge golden crown of the Russian emperor. From the symbol of tsarist authority, the St. Andrew’s ribbon proceeded in opposite directions, which further curled along the branches of an oak tree with golden leaves. In turn, the branches crowned the shield on all sides.
What is associated with each of the elements of the coat of arms of the Samara province of the 19th century?
Confident in his power, the goat froze in a magnificent pose. Thanks to this appearance, the animal deserves no less respect than a lion or an eagle, whose images have long prevailed in heraldic symbolism.
In ancient times, this species of artiodactyls was associated with the solid character and stamina that tribal leaders and pack leaders usually possessed. Since ancient times, the ancestors of now-living Russians endowed the perennial oak with mature strength, the leaves and acorns of this tree served as a symbol.
Among the innovations of Emperor Peter the Great is St. Andrew’s Ribbon, which, together with the cross (Order of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called), was considered an honorary award. In all subsequent decades until October 1917, the tape was applied to all coats of arms of the regions of the Samara region.
Heraldry science identifies the golden color with material well-being, stability and the possession of power. The element painted in silver color is inherent in moral purity. The shade of azure is attributed to grace and dignity; dark red (scarlet) - the ability to brave or heroic deed, selflessness and condescension.
Soviet power abolished the old coat of arms of the Samara region. As a result of perestroika, undertaken by the last president of the USSR, the revaluation of values ​​took place, including the idea of ​​creating municipal and territorial symbols.
Coats of arms of the cities of the Samara region
All cities of the Samara region have their state symbols. Almost everyone depicts animals and various plants. They are also dominated by green, blue and yellow colors.
Each city indicates its fertile fields and forests rich in wildlife. Locals respect their national signs and always use them during the holidays. On municipal buildings, city emblems also flaunt next to the symbols of the Samara region.
Since January 1, 2006, there are 10 urban districts, 12 urban settlements and 27 municipal districts in the province. The cities of Tolyatti (a large industrial center of Russia), Syzran (there are about 30 significant enterprises, including oil refining complexes), Zhigulevsk, Oktyabrsk and Chapaevsk received special attention.
Events preceding the creation of the flag of the Samara region
The emblem and flag of the Samara region have an interesting background. In the mid 70-ies of the 19th century, the Bulgarians, Serbs and Montenegrins of the Balkan region rose to fight against the Turkish enslavers. Russian volunteers massively went to the aid of their Slavic brothers. As a sign of support by the Russian people for their co-religionists fighting for independence, fighters of one of the detachments formed in the Samara province took a banner with them. It was a cloth with red, white and blue stripes. On one side is a black cross, in the center of which there are images of Cyril and Methodius, on the other, an icon of the Iberian Mother of God. The nuns of the convent were embroidered the banner with their own hands.
Despite the death of the standard-bearers during the battle that took place in 1877 near the city of Stara Zagora, the banner was defended. The flag, like the emblem of the Samara region, was modified.
Approval of the modern flag
Among the exhibits in the Museum of History, you can find a copy of the famous banner, which became a relic of fraternal Bulgaria. She was transferred in September 1981.
The cloth of the flag, which was approved at a meeting of the City Duma in December 1998, is very similar to the Samara flag. The same three stripes: top - red, bottom - blue, middle - white. Only instead of the black cross in the center is the regional emblem.
Cities of the Samara region also participated in this vote. All authors involved in the development of the draft flag agreed and decided on just such an option.