Coat of arms of Sweden

Great coat of arms of Sweden

Coat of arms of Sweden

The Coat of arms of Sweden (Sveriges riksvapen) has a long history, symbolizing the nation in both official and ceremonial contexts. It is one of the most significant national symbols of Sweden, alongside the national flag. The current design of the coat of arms was officially established and granted by King Karl XIV Johan in 1818, but its origins can be traced back to the late medieval period.

Description

The coat of arms features a regally crowned golden lion rampant on a field of blue, holding a sword with the arm in a forward position and standing on a compartment consisting of a royal ermine mantling. Surrounding the shield are the Orders of Sweden, prominently featuring the Order of the Seraphim, which is the foremost order of Sweden. The shield is topped by a royal crown, known as the crown of a sovereign state.

Components

The main components of the coat of arms include:

• The Shield: Blue with a gold lion, the shield forms the central element of the coat of arms.
• The Lion: Symbolizing courage and strength, the lion is a common heraldic symbol, particularly in Nordic countries.
• The Crown: The crown symbolizes the monarchy and the sovereign authority of Sweden.
• The Sword: Represents the power of justice and military might.
• The Mantling: The ermine mantling around the shield represents purity and dignity.
• The Orders: The inclusion of the Order of the Seraphim signifies the coat of arms' connection to the Swedish monarchy and its chivalric traditions.

Historical Development

The earliest known use of a lion in Swedish heraldry dates back to the King Erik IX (1156–1160), known as Erik the Saint, who is traditionally attributed with adopting a golden lion on a blue field as his banner. The lion, as a heraldic symbol, has been associated with the Swedish monarchy since then, with various modifications and embellishments added over the centuries.

In the 16th century, during the reign of Gustav Vasa, the coat of arms underwent significant changes to include the Vasa dynasty's sheaf symbol. However, the lion remained a central figure. Over time, the coat of arms evolved to reflect the political and territorial changes in Sweden, including the union with Norway and the acquisition of various territories.

The design was standardized in the 19th century, with the 1818 grant by Karl XIV Johan formalizing the coat of arms in its current form. This act was part of a broader effort to establish a unified national identity following the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars and the dissolution of the Kalmar Union.

Usage

The coat of arms is used extensively by the Swedish government and appears on a variety of official documents, including passports and currency. It is also used by the Swedish Armed Forces and appears on military insignia and awards. In addition, the coat of arms is an integral part of the Royal Standard of Sweden, which is used by the Swedish monarch.

Legal Protection

The coat of arms is protected under Swedish law, and its unauthorized use is subject to legal penalties. This protection ensures that the symbol remains a dignified and respected representation of the Swedish nation and its heritage.

See Also

• Flag of Sweden
• National symbols of Sweden
• Monarchy of Sweden
• Heraldry of Sweden