Evolution Coat of arms of Finland

1 evolution

1.1 swedish era
1.2 russian era
1.3 independence
1.4 today

evolution
swedish era

during following centuries, arms of finland appear in different versions of varying artistic quality, , in late 19th century when uppsala lion again taken use prototype coat of arms of finland.

the lion experienced several changes during 17th century. in funeral banner of charles x gustavus (in 1660) can seen treading on sabre 3 free paws; in drawings elias brenner (in suecia antique et hodierna erik dahlberg, printed in 1716), pictured double tail (queue fourchée) , walking posture.

russian era

figure 7: coat of arms of finland within imperial russian arms

after finland had been ceded russia (as consequence of swedish–russian war of 1808–1809), elias brenner s version of lion chosen authorities model new coat of arms of grand duchy of finland in russian empire. blazon in decree of 26 october 1809 states: shield has red field, strewn roses of silver, on golden lion crown of gold, standing on silver saber, grasps left forepaw while holding in right forepaw upright sword. obviously, interpretation of lion trampling on russian sabre had been lost @ point in time.

during reform of russian official heraldry in 1857, lion again changed on initiative of baron bernhard karl von köhne. blazon states: on red field strewn silver roses crowned lion of gold, holding in right forepaw upright sword , in left 1 curved sword on rests right hindpaw. main changes lion had started resemble dog rather lion, , crown on top of shield had been changed arched crown without cap, , small russian eagle on rim. sword in right forepaw had shrunk in size, point of resembling dagger rather sword (figure 8).

during years when russian emperors attempted russification of finland (1899–1905 , 1908–17), use of arms of finland increased significantly, , became popular in broader population.

the director of finnish national archives, karl august bomansson (1827–1906) made first significant study on arms of finland in modern times. restored appearance of arms in 1886, closely resembled uppsala lion. however, there slight deviation on how lion tramples on saber, , arched crown imperial eagle in von köhne version replaced crown similar of german princely crown. version of arms subsequently used in years of finnish independence.

early independence

figure 8: unapproved design greater coat of arms



figure 9:coat of arms of kingdom of finland (1918)

during 1920s , 1930s, national arms became subject of controversy, , debate centered on whether lion should replaced bear, had important place in national folklore. in 1557, bear had emerged emblem of finnia septentrionalis ( north finland , @ time same satakunta , northern southwest finland) , continues used coat of arms of satakunta. however, outside finland, bear regarded symbol of russia. debate not settled, , throughout of 20th century, versions of arms used closely adhered uppsala lion.

in 1936, state committee suggested compromise finland should have greater , smaller coat of arms. greater coat of arms proposed have 2 bears supporters of arms (figure 8), base of spruce twigs , motto vapaa, vankka, vakaa ( free, firm, steadfast ). have given bear place in national heraldry, design never confirmed, nor version of arms taken use.

today

the blazon of national coat of arms settled in 1978, when law of 26 may 1978 (381/78) described coat of arms follows: on red field, crowned lion, right forepaw replaced armoured hand brandishing sword, trampling on saber hindpaws, lion, crowned , armed, weapons hilted , armour garnished gold, blades , armour silver, field strewn 9 roses of silver. (this is, however, direct translation finnish; heraldic blazon gules, lion crowned or rampant striking sword argent on armoured dexter arm, trampling on sabre argent; surmounted 9 roses argent)

the coat of arms appears on finnish state flag. finnish lion used in wide variety of emblems of different state authorities, modified depict duties of unit or authority. on other hand, finnish municipalities , regions use heraldic motifs drawn elsewhere, leaving lion state use (exceptions exist, such coat of arms of jakobstad). finnish lion appears armed force s generals rank insignia , in navy part of officer s rank insignia.