Coat of arms of the Canary Islands

Escudo de Canarias

Coat of arms of the Canary Islands represents the symbol of the Canary Islands, an autonomous community of Spain located in the Atlantic Ocean. The coat of arms was officially adopted on 10 August 1982, following the statute of autonomy granted to the Canary Islands. It is a heraldic symbol that combines elements reflecting the geography, history, and culture of the archipelago.

Description

The coat of arms is quartered and depicts two dogs in the first and fourth quarters, a castle in the second, and a lion in the third, all of which are traditional heraldic symbols. The presence of the dogs is particularly significant as the name of the islands, Canariae Insulae, is believed to derive from the Latin term Canariae Insulae, meaning "Island of the Dogs."

• The first and fourth quarters feature a silver (argent) field with a purple (purpure) dog each, standing and facing the viewer, which represents the island of Gran Canaria and the historical significance of dogs to the islands.
• The second quarter shows a gold (Or) castle on a red (gules) field, symbolizing the Castile and the Crown of Castile's historical connection to the Canary Islands.
• The third quarter contains a red (gules) lion on a silver (argent) field, representing the Kingdom of León and its historical ties to the islands.

At the center of the coat of arms is an inescutcheon that depicts the Teide volcano on Tenerife, the highest peak in Spain, symbolizing the natural beauty and geographical significance of the Canary Islands. The shield is surmounted by a royal crown, indicative of the Canary Islands' status as an autonomous community within the Kingdom of Spain.

Symbolism

The coat of arms of the Canary Islands is rich in symbolism, reflecting the archipelago's history, geography, and cultural heritage. The dogs are a direct reference to the etymology of the name Canary, while the castle and lion represent the historical ties with the Crown of Castile and the Kingdom of León, respectively. The Teide volcano is a symbol of the natural beauty and unique geographical features of the islands.

Usage

The coat of arms is used by the Government of the Canary Islands as a symbol of the autonomy and identity of the archipelago. It appears on official documents, flags, and other symbols of the Canary Islands' government and institutions.

See also

• Flag of the Canary Islands
• Heraldry of the Canary Islands
• Symbols of the Canary Islands