Images of this symbol in Ukraine can be found everywhere. Starting with the fact that the main trident of Ukraine is a small coat of arms, approved by law and constitutionally by the Verkhovna Rada (1992). It, along with the anthem and flag, is a symbol of statehood and consists of an English blue shield with a golden border and a golden symbol. The large coat of arms of Ukraine also includes a trident, but its image has not yet been finalized. It exists so far only as a project.
The history of the trident of Ukraine
The symbol itself is one of the oldest known to mankind. It is believed that this is an attribute of strength and power. In ancient times, it symbolized the powerful Poseidon. It was with the trident that many famous images of this deity came to us. In India, it is the weapon of Shiva, the many-armed god. Often Shiva was portrayed with this weapon in his hands. In the Buddhist tradition - an attribute of the highest power.
In the culture of the ancient Slavs - a sign symbolizing the trinity of the world: Reve, Nav, Reign. And in the era of Kievan Rus - the coat of arms of Prince Vladimir, considered one of the greatest rulers in the world, the founder of Orthodox Russia. Then the symbol becomes a state sign. It could be seen everywhere on coins and seals.
Different versions
The most likely of the theories of the origin of the trident is the image of a falcon falling on its prey. It was the family sign of the Rurikovich, meaning independence, freedom, strength.
Other researchers see in it a conditional image of an anchor, a former symbol of the peoples living near the Black, as well as the Sea of Azov. The theme of the Rurikovich seems to be the most relevant. Confirmation of this is the finds of archaeologists: images from the time of the first Rurikovich, where we see the same falcon. We see similar symbols on some English coins of that era (10th century). Another version is the origin of the Khazar two-pronged. For example, the seal of Svyatoslav, who died in 972. It also depicted a two-prong.
What does the trident of Ukraine mean?
With the formation of the Ukrainian People's Republic (1917), the issue of the flag and its colors was resolved relatively quickly. But with the emblem, the matter has stalled. Several options were suggested. Yellow lion on a blue background. Leo and Archangel Michael. Cossack with a musket. Golden single-headed eagle, and other options. Grushevsky, chairman of the Rada, noting that the country did not have a permanent coat of arms, highlighted the trident of Ukraine as the main project. And from the end of 1917, when the sample of the first credit ticket was approved, there were fingerprints of the symbol on it. The trident of Ukraine in 1918 was also located on the naval flag (in the upper part). In the same year, a decision was made to accept the coat of arms of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, where this symbol also occupied a central place. It is also established as the central part of the state press of the UNR.
In 1918, the emblem of the Ukrainian state contained an image of a trident in the upper part, above a Cossack with a musket.
By the way, in Soviet Ukraine they stopped using this symbol, and it is revived only with gaining state independence in 1992.
Modern interpretations of the symbol
The modern trident of Ukraine is an integral symbol of independence and statehood. It is also a symbol of the fighting spirit of Ukrainians in the fight against all kinds of invaders for many centuries. We must not forget that Ukraine at all times (almost until the last century) was under the yoke of various states. And only in recent decades has it finally acquired true sovereignty.
Christian interpretation of the symbol
With the advent and spread of Christianity, the trident acquires a more religious significance and is associated with the symbol of the Holy Trinity, representing the unity of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. Such an interpretation is most relevant for Orthodox Christians and Catholics who live in Ukraine. For science, this position is doubtful. And the meaning embedded in the original ancient symbol is borrowed. Which does not detract from the merits of the Orthodox and Catholic faith itself.
Encrypted word
In the period of the formation of Ukraine as an independent state, an important role was played by giving the existing symbols a certain new, mystical meaning. This happened with the trident in Ukraine. Some began to believe that the word "Will" is encrypted in the symbol itself, that is, freedom (in Ukrainian). This interpretation helped to realize that he was involved in a certain national and national idea of the struggle for a brighter future for the Ukrainian people.
Whatever it was, the trident was and remains a magical symbol, one of the most ancient, a kind of amulet from evil forces for its carrier, a kind of protective amulet designed to protect a person, society, the country as a whole from encroachments on their freedom and independence.