Any student can answer the question why the state needs a coat of arms. This symbol is depicted on official documents, minted on coins. Often, the emblem is part of the signs of various organizations and commercial firms. One glance at the state symbol is enough to make it clear which country we are talking about. Many people know what the coat of arms of Ukraine looks like, but what does it mean?
How many characters does this country have?
Heraldry is a complex and multifaceted science, and any symbol in it is not accidental. Even when designing
family crests, every element is carefully thought out. It is not difficult to guess that the state emblem is not just a set of signs. Today, Ukraine has two coats of arms: large and small, but only the second is officially used. A golden trident is depicted on a blue background - a symbol of the power and grandeur of Prince Vladimir. This image was also used as a seal of the rulers of
the Rurikovich dynasty. The large coat of arms of Ukraine is supplemented by a Cossack with a musket, symbolizing the power of the Zaporizhzhya Army. A more complex emblem has not yet been approved, but exists in the form of official bills. In addition to two emblems, Ukraine, like any other state, has its own flag and anthem. In their meaning, these symbols are just as important as the graphic emblem. The flag and coat of arms of Ukraine are quite similar, they are made in the same colors: blue and yellow.
Mysteries of history and origin
It is not known for certain when and how the emblem of Ukraine in its modern version was developed. There are several hypotheses, but none of them has conclusive evidence. As for the interpretation of the image, in order to get a good grade in an educational institution, it is enough to answer what the emblem symbolizes the will inscribed in the trident. It has been historically confirmed that in the Rurikovich family, in abundance, tridents and tridents were used as personal symbols. Their size and style depended on the status and personal characteristics of a ruler - the owner of the symbol. At the same time, the trident that decorated the state emblem of Ukraine has been known since the time of Svyatoslav. Some historians believe that this symbol is more ancient.
Official version
Most researchers are inclined to believe that the trident is a monogram. According to this version, the word “Will” is inscribed in the sign and Vladimir the Great introduced it most widely. The ruler really minted coins with his own image on one side and a trident on the other. However, documents confirming the presence of the word “Will” in the figure were not preserved. If you look closely, you can see the desired four letters. Historians who do not agree with this hypothesis say that monograms are not characteristic for a given
period in the history of Russia. Other cases where meaningful words would fit into the symbols of power are unknown. Another striking rebuttal - the coat of arms of Ukraine could not be created by Vladimir, as it was confirmed that the prince’s father had used it. And indeed, Svyatoslav owned a signet on which a trident was depicted. Used this symbol and many other princes of the dynasty, changing to your liking.
Religious hypothesis
The theory that the trident symbolizes the unity of the three forms of one God is also very famous. And this is not necessarily about the Christian faith (although there are such opinions), a pagan mythology also knows a deity that has three guises. The religious significance of the coat of arms of Ukraine is upheld by Professor Minko. The scientist is referred to the legendary
Czech history. Legend has it that right after the arrival of the baptist fathers in the Czech Republic, many people wanted to accept the new faith. Since the clergy did not find a cross, the ceremony was carried out using a ship's anchor. The story is interesting, but in the culture of this state the sacred anchor is depicted as the letter "T", written upside down. This graphic image does not resemble a trident that has taken root in Russia. Those who disagree with this theory say that the Christian anchor would hardly be used by the pagan Svyatoslav. Before baptism, Vladimir was also a supporter of the old faith and he began to use the trident long before the change of his beliefs.
The story of the falcon
In many historical documents, reference is made to the noble bird as a symbol of princely wisdom and power. The falcon in Russian culture was considered the embodiment of military courage and justice. According to some scholars, this particular bird is encrypted in a mysterious trident. The symbol really looks like a bird silhouette while diving for prey. The lateral teeth look like folded wings, and the central one resembles a tightened head. This hypothesis is the least popular; it is not considered in textbooks. At the same time, there is nothing to object to the opponents of this theory. Even in the “Word on Igor’s Regiment”, too often the word “falcon” and arbitrary ones from it are used as a synonym for the word “prince”. However, there is no documentary evidence that the emblem of Ukraine includes an image of this bird.
When was the symbol of Ukraine approved?
The emblem begins its modern history in 1917. M. S. Grushevsky, who at that time was the chairman of the Central Rada, suggested introducing this symbol. The politician explained the choice of image by the fact that this is the seal of Vladimir. Important is the fact that Grushevsky was also a historian. The coat of arms was approved and officially recognized by Rada in 1918. There were alternative options, for example, a crossbow or a bow used in seals in Russia. At the same time, a Cossack with a musket was also proposed, which is present today on the large coat of arms. In the original version, the trident was golden and was surrounded by a green ornament.
Symbol of the state in the Ukrainian SSR
During the heyday of Soviet power, the coats of arms of all republics were similar. They touched on the change and the Ukrainian symbol. He mutated three times. But all image options were similar. On a red shield with the rising sun, a sickle and a hammer, bordered by golden ears of corn, were depicted. The history of the coat of arms of Ukraine for the period from 1929 to 1991 is also saturated. Not only the general stylization of the symbol changed, but also the inscriptions on the tape braiding the ears. The last coat of arms did not have the inscription of the Ukrainian SSR. The meaning of this state symbol is not difficult to decipher. The short wording is as follows: "All people of labor are protected by the Red Army and a just government."
Modern version of the Ukrainian coat of arms
After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the new Ukraine needed new symbols. But why was the old trident chosen? Today, any citizen of the country can answer the question of what the emblem of Ukraine means. The main symbol of the state recalls not only its greatness, but also its rich history. It is believed that this coat of arms was again adopted to emphasize the antiquity of the country. Actively use this symbol as the "sign of Vladimir" many nationalist movements. The question of accepting a large coat of arms remains open. The constitution of the state states that 2/3 of the Rada are in favor of its adoption. The sketch has long been developed, but the symbol does not have legal authority and is not officially approved. On the large coat of arms, in addition to the small one and the Cossack with a musket, a lion, a crown, ears of corn and other elements are depicted.
Ukrainian coat of arms: history today
Like other official symbols of the state, the small coat of arms is widely used. You can see it on military insignia, passports of citizens, the use of the coat of arms is also regulated for the seals of municipal institutions. It is not necessary to expect changes in the small coat of arms. It looks original, despite its simplicity. He has also taken root as an identification mark, which is liked by most citizens of the state. As for the large coat of arms, when it is adopted and begins to be used officially, one can only guess. Moreover, the sketch has long been developed, and you can see it today. The coat of arms of Ukraine, the photo of which you see, is in use now. But only as an unofficial decorative sign. Moreover, a small symbol is protected by the constitution and can only be used in accordance with existing rules. For the illegal use of a large coat of arms or disrespectful attitude towards it, it is extremely difficult to hold accountable. The thing is that officially this image is not recognized as a symbol of the state. For this reason, many politicians talk about the need for an early decision on this issue. It is possible that a large emblem of Ukraine will be adopted in the very near future.