Coat of arms of British Columbia

Coat of arms of British Columbia

Coat of Arms of British Columbia represents the province of British Columbia, Canada, through symbolic and historical elements that reflect its culture, history, and natural environment. The coat of arms was officially granted by King George V in 1906 and augmented with a crest, supporters, and motto by Queen Elizabeth II in 1987.

Description

The coat of arms consists of several components, each with its own significance:

• Shield: The top section of the shield features the Union Jack, symbolizing British Columbia's British heritage. Below the Union Jack, a setting sun represents the province's location on the western coast of Canada, signifying the "Sunset Province."
• Crest: Above the shield, the crest features a royal helmet mantled in blue and white and is topped with a gold and silver wreath. On top of the wreath sits a beaver, representing Canada's fur trade history, holding a crown, symbolizing the royal authority granted to the coat of arms.
• Supporters: On either side of the shield stand a wapiti (elk) and a bighorn sheep, representing the province's wildlife. Both supporters wear collars of Pacific Dogwood, the provincial flower, and stand on a compartment of Douglas fir branches and dogwood flowers, further emphasizing British Columbia's natural resources and beauty.
• Motto: Below the shield and supporters, the motto Splendor sine occasu (Latin for "Splendour without Diminishment") is displayed on a scroll, reflecting the province's enduring beauty and strength.

Symbolism

The coat of arms of British Columbia is rich in symbolism, reflecting the province's identity:

• The Union Jack signifies British Columbia's colonial origins and its ties to the United Kingdom.
• The setting sun represents the province's geographical position as the westernmost province of Canada.
• The beaver on the crest symbolizes Canada's fur trade, a crucial part of the country's and province's early economy.
• The wapiti and bighorn sheep as supporters reflect the diverse and abundant wildlife in British Columbia.
• The Pacific Dogwood collars and the Douglas fir and dogwood compartment highlight the province's flora and natural beauty.
• The motto, Splendor sine occasu, encapsulates the province's aspirations and pride in its unspoiled landscapes and resources.

History

The original coat of arms was granted in 1906 by King George V, making it one of the earliest arms granted to a Canadian province. In 1987, Queen Elizabeth II authorized the addition of a crest, supporters, and a motto, providing the full heraldic achievement seen today. These augmentations were made to better reflect the province's culture, history, and natural environment.

Legal Status and Usage

The coat of arms is used officially by the provincial government as a symbol of authority and is found on government documents, buildings, and official seals. Its use is regulated to ensure it maintains its significance as a symbol of the province's sovereignty and heritage.

See Also

• Heraldry
• Symbols of British Columbia
• Canadian heraldry