In the symbolism of the republics, their main natural or historical features are most often displayed. The flag and coat of arms of the Komi Republic are no exception.
Komi Republic: general characteristic
This republic was formed in 1921. Today, it is part of the Northwestern Federal District of Russia.
The territory of the republic is bordered from the north by the Pai-Khoi Ridge, from the south by the Northern Uvalas, and from the east by the Ural Mountains. Many rivers flow along the expanses of this region, both mountain and plain. The largest among them are Pechora, Usa, Vychegda, Izhma, Vashka, Low water and others.
The Komi Republic can also be called the lake region. About 78 thousand lakes of various sizes are located within it. In addition, about 8% of the territory is occupied by swamps.
The vast expanses of Komi are covered with virgin forests, which no longer have analogues in Europe. They occupy over 30 thousand square kilometers! In 1995, these forests were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Republic flag: description and semantics
The flag and coat of arms of the Komi Republic in their modern form were adopted in the 90s of the last century. The flag is presented in the form of a rectangular canvas of traditional sizes, consisting of three equivalent horizontal stripes: blue (top), green (middle) and white (bottom). It is curious that initially this flag was Bashkir (since 1917). However, the parliament of the Komi Republic turned out to be more nimble and managed to "stake out" it earlier. As a result, the Republic of Bashkortostan had to approve another flag for itself.
The colors of this flag successfully reflect those natural features of the Komi Republic that were described above. The upper blue strip symbolizes the vast expanses of the North, green - huge tracts of taiga forests, and white - beautiful and crystal white snows. Thus, virgin purity and severity, two main features of this region, are successfully embodied in the flag of the republic.
There is another interpretation regarding the lower white strip. So, the white color in symbolism means complete agreement and mutual understanding between all cultures that coexist peacefully in this territory.
Coat of arms of the Republic of Komi
The emblem in gold shows a bird of prey, which is located on a red standard shield. On the chest of this bird is placed the humanized face of the Sun, surrounded by six elk heads.
What semantics does the emblem of the Komi Republic carry?
A bird is nothing more than a symbol of supreme power and an image of the sun. But the elk on the coat of arms symbolizes strength and nobility at the same time. Also, the image of an elk carries the meaning of a harmoniously built world.
The coat of arms of the Republic of Komi combines golden and red tones, which are closely related to the ancient folklore of the local Komi people. These colors symbolize sunlight, as well as the process of the birth of a new life. It is not accidental that the bird on the coat of arms is depicted so that it repeats with its body the shape of a cross. This can be interpreted as a symbol of power, state and spiritual.
It should be noted that the images of the moose and the Sun also contain many coats of arms of the regions of the Komi Republic. Also often there are drawings of fir trees or taiga forest.
Coats of arms of the cities of the Komi Republic
In the Komi Republic, there are ten cities, each of which has its own emblem and flag. Consider the coats of arms of the largest settlements of this region.
- Syktyvkar. The emblem of the administrative center of the republic shows a golden bear lying in a den. The background of the heraldic shield is blue-green. An unusual star hangs over the bear - an element of the Komi national ornament. The main semantics of this coat of arms are as follows: the bear represents the guardian of urban culture and local traditions, and the star above it means the sun.
- Vorkuta. The coat of arms of this city, authored by Nikolai Zhilin, reflects the whole identity of Vorkuta. So, it depicts a coper mine and a heap, as well as a silver deer captured in his jump. As you know, it is precisely the discovered coal deposits that the city owes its appearance. Therefore, such images on the city emblem are not at all random. The color design of the Vorkuta emblem is dominated by blue and silver tones, which symbolize the northern expanses and natural wealth of the northern region.
Finally
The symbolism of any territory should carry its geographical identity, that is, those features that are key to a particular region. The Komi Republic is, first of all, the richest folklore and vibrant folk traditions. The coat of arms of the Republic of Komi is not without reason decorated in the form of moose heads, for elk in the culture of the Komi people has always been equated with a solar deity.
In turn, in the flag of the republic, in its colors, the main natural features and riches of this amazing region are successfully displayed.