Coat of arms of Venezuela

Coat of arms of Venezuela

Coat of arms of Venezuela
Armiger	Venezuela
Adopted	2006
Shield	Quarterly: 1st, Gules a wheat sheaf Or; 2nd, Or two flags Azure and Gules in saltire; 3rd, Azure a white horse courant Argent; 4th, Gules a laurel wreath Or

The coat of arms of Venezuela is the national coat of arms of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. It was last modified by law on March 7, 2006. The coat of arms consists of a shield divided into three sections, with a wheat sheaf, two crossed flags, and a white horse.

Description

The shield is divided into three quarters:

• The top left quarter, on a red field, features a sheaf of wheat with twenty-four ears, representing the twenty-four states of the country and symbolizing the union and wealth of the nation.
• The top right quarter, on a yellow field, displays two crossed flags, one blue and one red, symbolizing the triumph in the War of Independence.
• The bottom quarter, on a blue field, shows a white horse running free, symbolizing independence and freedom.

Above the shield are two crossed swords and a laurel wreath, representing victory and honor. The shield is flanked by an olive branch on the left and a palm branch on the right, symbolizing peace and victory, respectively.

History

The coat of arms has undergone several changes since its first adoption in 1836. The most recent modification in 2006 included changes to the direction of the horse, which was previously depicted running to the left and is now shown running to the right, symbolizing a forward-looking nation.

Symbolism

Each element of the coat of arms carries significant meaning:

• The wheat sheaf represents the agricultural wealth and unity of the nation.
• The crossed flags symbolize the victory in the War of Independence.
• The white horse signifies freedom and independence.
• The laurel wreath and crossed swords denote victory and honor.
• The olive branch and palm branch stand for peace and victory.

See also

• Flag of Venezuela
• National symbols of Venezuela
• History of Venezuela