Coat of arms of the Czech Republic

Coat of arms of the Czech Republic

The Coat of Arms of the Czech Republic represents the country's historical regions and its heritage. It is a significant symbol of the Czech Republic, embodying national pride and identity. The coat of arms consists of a two-tiered shield, which is a common feature in the heraldry of the nation.

The upper tier of the shield features the traditional lion of Bohemia, a white, double-tailed lion on a red background. This lion, which has been a symbol of Bohemia since the 12th century, signifies strength and sovereignty. The lower tier is divided into two halves. The left half displays the Moravian eagle, a checkered red-and-white eagle that represents the region of Moravia. The right half of the lower tier shows the Silesian eagle, a black eagle on a yellow background, symbolizing the Silesia region, though much of Silesia is now part of Poland.

The combination of these symbols into a single coat of arms reflects the unity of the Czech lands and their shared history. The coat of arms has evolved over time, with the current version officially adopted after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the establishment of the independent Czech Republic in 1993.

Design and Symbolism

The design of the coat of arms is deeply rooted in Czech history. The double-tailed lion, the primary symbol, has been associated with the Bohemian Kingdom since the reign of Přemysl Otakar II. The Moravian eagle, derived from the arms of the Moravian Margraviate, and the Silesian eagle, from the Duchy of Silesia, were later additions that reflect the territorial expansions and the historical ties between these lands.

The colors used in the coat of arms—red, white, and yellow—are traditional heraldic colors. Red symbolizes courage and valor, white represents purity and peace, and yellow stands for generosity and wealth.

Usage

The coat of arms is used by the Government of the Czech Republic across various official documents, including passports and other state symbols. It also appears on the presidential standard, government buildings, and in other contexts where it represents the authority and sovereignty of the Czech state.

Legal Protection

The coat of arms, along with other national symbols, is protected by Czech law. Unauthorized use of the national symbols can lead to legal consequences, ensuring that the symbols are treated with respect and used appropriately.

See Also

• Flag of the Czech Republic
• National symbols of the Czech Republic
• History of the Czech lands