The coat of arms of Belarus is a symbol of national pride and reflects the country's history, cultural heritage, and aspirations. The current coat of arms was adopted in 1995, following a controversial national referendum. It replaced the previous emblem, which was reminiscent of Belarus's Soviet past.
Design and Symbolism
The coat of arms has a circular design and incorporates several significant elements:
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Central Image: The central image is a stylized contour of the geographic boundaries of Belarus. This representation showcases the country's pride in its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
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Radiating Sun: Behind the map of Belarus, there's a radiant sun with rays emanating from it. The sun symbolizes a new dawn or a new beginning, reflecting the country's aspirations for a bright future.
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Globe: Below the sun and the map of Belarus, there's a globe which depicts the Eurasian continent. This indicates Belarus's position in the world and its connections with other nations.
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Wheat Sheaves: Surrounding the central design are golden wheat sheaves, which represent Belarus's agricultural heritage. Belarus has traditionally been known as the "breadbasket" due to its fertile soil and abundant grain production.
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Clover and Flax Flowers: On the left side, there's a stem of clover, while on the right, there are flax flowers. These elements symbolize the richness of Belarusian nature and its traditions.
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Red Star: At the very top of the emblem, there's a red five-pointed star. This element is a remnant from the Soviet era and represents the country's socialist past.
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Ribbon in National Colors: At the bottom of the emblem, there's a ribbon in the colors of the Belarusian flag - green and red. These colors are deeply symbolic: green stands for the country's lush forests, while red represents the blood shed by Belarusians in their fight for freedom.
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Banner with Country's Name: The ribbon holds a banner that reads "Республика Беларусь" (Republic of Belarus) in Cyrillic letters.
Controversy and Adoption
The current coat of arms replaced the historic Pahonia (the Pursuit) emblem, which was used by the Belarusian People's Republic in 1918 and later adopted by independent Belarus in 1991. The decision to replace the Pahonia was controversial, as many Belarusians viewed it as a symbol of the nation's historic and cultural identity.
The adoption of the new coat of arms in 1995, along with a new national flag, was seen by some as an attempt to distance Belarus from its European roots and align more closely with its Soviet past.
Conclusion
The coat of arms of Belarus is not just a mere symbol; it carries with it the weight of the nation's history, its struggles, and its hopes for the future. Whether one sees it as a break from the past or a nod to it, the emblem undeniably represents the Belarus of today.