The coat of arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a potent emblem that encapsulates the nation's rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and aspirations for unity and coexistence. Adopted after the Bosnian War in the 1990s, it is both a break from the past and a nod to the nation's historical symbols.
The coat of arms is essentially a shield that is triangular in shape, symbolizing the approximate shape of the country. This triangular shield is divided into two main segments:
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The Right Side (from the viewer's perspective): This is a yellow (gold) field, which is a plain backdrop on the right half of the shield.
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The Left Side: The left side has a blue background featuring a white line of seven full stars and two half stars, top and bottom respectively, cascading down the diagonal side of the triangle. These stars are believed to represent Europe and are also a nod to the flag of the European Union.
Symbolism:
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The Triangular Shield: The triangular design of the shield is emblematic of the heart-shaped land that Bosnia is often referred to as, due to its geographical shape. It is also a symbol of the three constituent peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs.
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The Stars: The white stars on the blue background are evocative of the European Union flag, signaling Bosnia and Herzegovina's geographical position in Southeast Europe and perhaps its aspirations towards European integration. The stars also convey a universal symbol of hope and brightness for the nation's future.
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Colors: The blue and yellow (gold) colors used in the coat of arms are the same as those found in the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Blue often symbolizes peace, truth, and loyalty, while gold represents wealth, prosperity, and optimism.
Conclusion:
The coat of arms of Bosnia and Herzegovina is more than just a national symbol; it is a testament to a country's resilience, its rich tapestry of cultures, and its hope for a united and peaceful future. As Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to move forward, this emblem will remain a beacon of its commitment to unity in diversity.