What does the flag of Moscow stand for? Symbols and their history

Each city and region of our country has its own symbolism. Moscow as the ancient capital of Russia is endowed with not only the most recognizable, but also historically significant signs - its coat of arms and flag, which are familiar to every Russian.

Why do we need flags and coats of arms?

Since ancient times, with the emergence of states, their designations also appeared. With their banners went out to fight, defended their interests and defended their native places from the attacks of enemies. Although the tradition of having a flag and a coat of arms goes back to the distant past, the notion that it is necessary for each state to have its own symbols is associated with the beginning of the 20th century. What is it for? The flag and coat of arms of a country, city or state are not only its symbols, but also a special form of definition. They connect us with the history and culture of our Motherland, are an expression of patriotism. It is the flag and the emblem of the country that define us in the world, on them we are recognized in other countries.

What does the emblem of Moscow look like?

On a dark red background, a warrior-rider on a white horse is depicted. He has a golden-colored spear in his hand. Under the hooves a carnivorous black dragon is carved, which the knight disarms, piercing the beast into the head.

What is the difference between the flag and the coat of arms of Moscow

A flag is a canvas having a specific range of colors, which are indicated as different symbols. A coat of arms is an emblem or sign of a city, district or state depicting the most significant characteristics of a particular locality with the help of symbolic meanings.

The flag and coat of arms of Moscow look virtually identical. The emblem of the rider killing the dragon is located both there and there. The flag, unlike the coat of arms, has a rectangular shape.

What are the colors of the arms

Red background symbolizes the memory of the soldiers who died in the battles for the Motherland. In the middle we see a warrior on a white horse. White means courage, purity of thoughts. The black dragon is an enemy force, curling underfoot and trying to bring down the right path. The golden spear is wealth and greatness. Thus, the picture embodies the fearlessness of a Russian fighter and his strength.

According to one version, the color of the cloak was introduced by Nicholas II as a symbol - Russian tricolor (the shield represents the red strip, the mantle is blue, and the horse is white).

History of the arms

The first appearance of a symbol resembling the modern flag of Moscow, dates back to the time after the victory at Kulikovo Field. Then the rider killing the dragon became the coat of arms of the Moscow principality. It was believed that he personifies the ruler. Only from the beginning of the 18th century, the image of the warrior was attributed to St. George, such significance was suggested by Peter the Great under the influence of European thinkers.

With the advent of Soviet power, the flag of Moscow for a time has sunk into oblivion. Instead, an image of a sickle and a hammer appeared, indicating the victory of the working class. Already in 1993 the flag of the city of Moscow again acquired prerevolutionary features, and the habitual rider, striking the monster, again marked the capital.

Who is this warrior

George Pobedonosets is a native of the ancient Greek family, who is on the faithful service of the emperor. In times of terrible persecution of Christians, this warrior stood up for their protection, for which he was subjected to terrible torture. George asked for help from God, so that he gave him the strength to withstand all the difficulties. However, the villagers ordered the wrestler to be executed, and in 303 he died at the hands of the executioner.

Since those events of the past, May 6 is considered a memorable day for St. George the Victorious, the Great Martyr who died for his convictions and his desire to protect the Christian world.

Many legends and legends were written about Georgy. One of them tells about the miracle of a warrior and a snake, whom he defeated. Once, according to legend, in the vicinity of the city of Lasia was inhabited by a snake monster, an attacker and destroying local residents. In the city, then ruled a stupid and cruel king who ruthlessly treated Christians. When people complained to him about the serpent's tricks, he offered the inhabitants to give the monster their children in turn. The ruler himself had a beautiful daughter, but for the sake of justice, and she had to be put on the list to be eaten by a monster. When the turn came, the princess went to her death. But then she was overtaken by George. Learning of the terrible serpent, he went without his troops to fight with him, in order to save the king's daughter and the inhabitants from suffering. Humbling God for help, George was able to defeat the enemy with the help of a stabbing blow to the head. Bringing the injured carcass, the warrior told the local people that faith is their main strength, which is able to withstand any difficulties.

How does this story relate to Moscow? As you know, Yuri Dolgoruky was the founder of Moscow, thanks to his deeds and perseverance, Moscow subsequently became the capital of Russia. The name Yuri in the Greek mode means George. This interesting coincidence for two significant persons for Russian culture and history served as an excellent symbol, so it's not for nothing that George the Victorious represents the flag of the city of Moscow. After all, this is the heart of our Motherland.

Where you can find the flag of Moscow now

The symbol of the capital can be found on almost every street. Here is the flag on the high-rise in Moscow, and here it is shown on the bus. Repeatedly it can be met in the metro and on ads. For many, this coat of arms is a symbol of something belonging to the capital. Very often we can meet the flag of Moscow on the billboards, announcing the upcoming events with the support of the Moscow government.

Any resident of Russia can spot the Victorious on the Russian coat of arms, in its very core. This tradition dates back to the sixteenth century, throughout the pre-revolutionary history the two-headed eagle with the Victorious was considered a symbol of the Russian Empire, and later of modern Russia.

Also very often the image of the Moscow coat of arms is used on government websites or those devoted to anything in the capital. In such cases, the Moscow flag in the vector is used so that the image can be harmoniously superimposed over the background.