When asked why the state needs a coat of arms, any schoolboy can answer. This symbol is depicted on official documents, coined on coins. Often the coat of arms is part of the signs of various organizations and commercial firms. One glance at the state symbol is enough to make it clear which country is talking about. Many people know what the coat of arms of Ukraine looks like, but what does it mean?
How many characters does this country have?
Heraldry is a complex and multifaceted science, and any symbol in it is not accidental. Even with the development of family arms, each element is carefully thought out. It is not difficult to guess that the state emblem is not just a set of signs. To date, Ukraine has two arms: large and small, but only the second is officially used. On a blue background there is a golden trident - a symbol of power and grandeur of Prince Vladimir. This image was used as a seal for the rulers of the Rurik dynasty. A large coat of arms of Ukraine was supplemented by a Cossack with a musket symbolizing the power of the Zaporozhye Army. A more complex emblem has not yet been approved, but exists in the form of official bills. In addition to the two arms, Ukraine, like any other state, has its own flag and anthem. In their meaning, these symbols are as important as the graphic emblem. The flag and coat of arms of Ukraine are quite similar, they are executed in the same colors: blue and yellow.
Mysteries of history and origin
It is for sure not known when and how the coat of arms of Ukraine was developed in its modern version. There are several hypotheses, but there is no conclusive evidence of any of them. As for the interpretation of the image, in order to get a good assessment in an educational institution, it is sufficient to answer that symbolizes the coat of arms inscribed in the trident. It has been historically confirmed that in the genus of the Rurikids in the abundance, the two-teeth and tridents were used as personal symbols. The size and style of them depended on the status and personality characteristics of this or that ruler - the owner of the symbol. In this case, the trident, with which the state emblem of Ukraine is adorned, has been known since Svyatoslav. Some historians believe that this symbol is more ancient.
Official version
The greatest number of researchers tend to the fact that the trident is a monogram. According to this version, the word "Will" is inscribed in a sign and Vladimir the Great introduced it most widely. The ruler really minted coins with his own image on one side and a trident on the second. However, the documents confirming the presence of the word "Will" in the figure have not been preserved. If you look closely, you can see the desired four letters. Historians who disagree with this hypothesis say that monograms are not characteristic for this period of the history of Rus. Other cases, when meaningful words would fit into the symbols of power, is unknown. Another vivid rebuttal - the coat of arms of Ukraine could not have been created by Vladimir, since it is confirmed that he was still used by the prince's father. And indeed, Svyatoslav owned a signet on which was depicted a trident. Used this symbol and many other princes of the dynasty, changing to your liking.
Religious hypothesis
The theory that the trident symbolizes the unity of the three guises of the one God is also well known. And it does not necessarily refer to the Christian faith (although there are such opinions), pagan mythology also knows a deity that has three forms. The religious significance of the coat of arms of Ukraine is defended by Professor Minko. The scientist is referred to the legendary Czech history. Legend has it that right after the arrival of the fathers of the Baptists in the Czech Republic, many people wanted to accept a new faith. Since the clergy did not have a cross, the ceremony was conducted using the ship's anchor. The story is interesting, but in the culture of this state the sacred anchor is portrayed as the letter "T", written upside down. This graphic image does not look much like a trident that has settled down in Russia. Those who disagree with this theory say that the Christian anchor is unlikely to be used by the pagan Svyatoslav. Before the baptism, Vladimir was also an adherent of the old faith and used a trident he started long before changing his beliefs.
The story of the falcon
In many historical documents, the mention of a noble bird has been preserved, as a symbol of princely wisdom and power. Falcon in the Russian culture was considered the personification of military courage and justice. According to some scientists, it is this bird that is ciphered in a mysterious trident. The symbol is really similar to the silhouette of a bird when diving for prey. The lateral teeth are similar to the folded wings, and the central resembles the pre-contracted head. This hypothesis is the least popular, it is not considered in teaching aids. At the same time opponents of this theory have nothing to argue. Even in the "Lay of Igor's Host" too often the word "falcon" and arbitrary from it are used as a synonym for the word "prince". However, there is no documentary evidence that the coat of arms of Ukraine includes the image of this bird.
When was the symbol of Ukraine approved?
Its modern history begins in 1917. MS Grushevsky, who is the Chairman of the Central Rada at that time, proposed to introduce this symbol. The politician explained the choice of the image by the fact that it is the seal of Vladimir. Important is the fact that Grushevsky was also a historian. Approved and officially recognized by the Rada the coat of arms was in 1918. There were also alternative options, for example, a crossbow or bow used in Russia on seals. At the same time, a Cossack with a musket was present, present on the big coat of arms. In the original version, the trident was golden and surrounded by a green ornament.
Symbol of the State in the Ukrainian SSR
During the heyday of Soviet power, the arms of all republics were similar. The changes of the Ukrainian symbol also touched. He changed three times. But all the variants of the image were similar. On a red shield with a rising sun, a sickle and a hammer, carved with golden ears, was depicted. The history of the coat of arms of Ukraine for the period from 1929 to 1991 is also full. It was not only the general stylization of the symbol that was changing, but also the inscriptions on the ribbon, braiding the ears. The last version of the emblem did not have the inscription of the Ukrainian SSR. The meaning of this state symbol is easy to decipher. A brief statement reads: "All people of labor are protected by the Red Army and a just government."
The modern version of the Ukrainian coat of arms
After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, the new Ukraine needed new symbols. But why was it chosen the old trident? Today, any resident of the country can answer the question what the coat of arms of Ukraine means. The main symbol of the state reminds not only of its greatness, but also of its rich history. It is believed that this coat of arms was again adopted to emphasize the antiquity of the country. This symbol is actively used as a "sign of Vladimir" by many nationalist currents. The question of accepting a large coat of arms remains open. The constitution of the state stipulates that 2/3 of the composition of the Rada is for its adoption. The sketch has long been developed, but the symbol has no legal authority and is not officially approved. On a large coat of arms, in addition to a small and a Cossack with a musket, a lion, a crown, ears and other elements are depicted.
The Ukrainian coat of arms: history and today
Like other official symbols of the state, the small arms are widely used. You can see it on military distinctions, citizens' passports, the use of the emblem and for the seals of municipal institutions is regulated. It is not necessary to expect changes in the small coat of arms. It looks original, despite its simplicity. It has already taken root as an identification mark, which most citizens of the state like. As for the large coat of arms, when it will be adopted and will be used officially, one can only guess. At the same time the sketch has been developed for a long time, and you can see it today. Coat of arms of Ukraine, the photo of which you see, in the course and now. But only as an unofficial decorative sign. At the same time, a small symbol is protected by the constitution and can only be used in accordance with existing rules. For the illegal use of a large coat of arms or disrespectful attitude towards it, it is extremely difficult to hold accountable. The thing is that officially this image is not recognized as a symbol of the state. For this reason, many politicians speak about the need for an early decision on this issue. It is possible that a large coat of arms of Ukraine will be adopted in the very near future.