Emblem of the Soviet Union

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The Emblem of the Soviet Union was the official state emblem of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and was adopted in 1923. Unlike traditional heraldic emblems, the Soviet emblem did not follow the rules of heraldry and was instead designed to reflect the ideology of the Soviet state.

Design and Symbolism

The emblem prominently features a hammer and sickle superimposed on a globe. The hammer and sickle are symbols of the industrial proletariat and the peasantry, respectively, and together they represent the unity of these two classes. The globe signifies the international nature of communism and the Soviet Union's aspiration for global influence.

Surrounding the globe are ears of wheat, which symbolize the agricultural foundation of the Soviet economy and the prosperity of the state. The wheat is tied with a red ribbon, which bears the motto "Пролетарии всех стран, соединяйтесь!" ("Proletarians of all countries, unite!") in the languages of the Soviet republics.

At the top of the emblem is a red star, a symbol of communism and socialism, representing the Communist Party's leadership and the guiding light of the Soviet state.

Historical Development

The emblem was first adopted in 1923, following the formation of the Soviet Union in 1922. It underwent several modifications over the years, primarily to include the languages of additional Soviet republics as they joined the Union.

The design was influenced by the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war, reflecting the new Soviet ideology that rejected the old imperial symbols of Imperial Russia.

Usage

The emblem was used on official documents, state buildings, and currency. It was a key symbol of Soviet identity and was featured prominently in Soviet propaganda.

Legacy

With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the emblem was replaced by the national symbols of the newly independent states. However, it remains a powerful symbol of the Soviet era and is still used by some communist parties and organizations around the world.

See Also

• Flag of the Soviet Union
• Coat of arms of Russia
• Hammer and sickle
• Red star

References

• Figes, Orlando. Revolutionary Russia, 1891-1991: A History. Metropolitan Books, 2014.
• Service, Robert. The End of the Cold War: 1985-1991. PublicAffairs, 2015.