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Coat of arms of Australia

The coat of arms of Australia is a distinctive emblem that represents the nation's rich history, identity, and values. Officially adopted on 19 September 1912 by King George V, the coat of arms has undergone minor revisions but retains its primary symbols and themes. Here's a detailed description of its components:

  1. Shield: At the center of the coat of arms is a shield, which is divided into six sections. Each section depicts an emblem of an Australian state:

    • New South Wales: A golden lion passant guardant on a red St. George's Cross on a silver background.
    • Victoria: A white Southern Cross on a blue background.
    • Queensland: A light blue Maltese cross with an imperial crown at its center on a white background.
    • South Australia: A piping shrike, a bird native to the region, on a gold background.
    • Western Australia: A black swan swimming to the left on a gold background.
    • Tasmania: A red lion on a white background.
  2. Golden Wattle: Surrounding the shield and its supporters is the golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha), Australia's floral emblem. The delicate yellow flowers and intricate foliage of the wattle offer a touch of color and texture, symbolizing unity and resilience

      3. Motto: Beneath the shield, on a ribbon, is the word "Australia". This straightforward representation signifies the unity and identity of the nation.

      4. Above the Shield: Positioned above the shield is a seven-pointed gold star, known as the Commonwealth Star or Star of Federation. Each of its six points represents a state of Australia, while the seventh point represents the territories. The shield and Commonwealth Star are set against a backdrop of a blue and gold wreath, further symbolizing national unity.

      5. Supporters: On either side of the shield are the two native Australian animals:

  • Kangaroo: On the left side, there's a kangaroo standing erect. The kangaroo is an iconic symbol of Australia, known for its unique method of movement and its pouch where it carries its young.
  • Emu: On the right side stands an emu, a large flightless bird native to Australia. The choice of the emu and kangaroo as supporters is symbolic, as neither animal is known to walk backward, representing a nation moving forward.

Conclusion

The Coat of Arms of Australia is a profound representation of the nation's history, its environment, and its aspirations. Combining symbols from the country's indigenous fauna and flora with heraldic traditions, the emblem serves as a reminder of Australia's rich heritage and its promising future.