Background Coat of arms of Finland

figure 2: coat of arms of valdemar birgersson

the heraldic lion originated lion of judea quite common in western europe, , several european countries incorporate national coats of arms. in nordic heraldry, lion first found in coat of arms of denmark later part of 12th century.

starting in 12th century, territory of today s finland gradually incorporated swedish kingdom, , coincided period when coats of arms first came use in northern europe. first known use of lion in sweden on royal seals of erik knutsson (died 1216) , erik eriksson (1216–50), used 2 , 3 lions on seal, respectively. first king of folkunga family, valdemar birgersson (1239–1302), used 3 lions on seal (figure 2).

finland duchy

figure 3: folkunga coat of arms



figure 4: seal of duke valdemar

bengt birgersson, first duke of finland (1254–91, duke 1284 until 1291), , valdemar magnusson, second duke (died 1318, duke of finland 1302 until 1317), both used later folkunga coat of arms, crowned lion rampant 3 bends sinister, main difference being valdemar s arms had field strewn hearts (figure 3). version of arms quite similar modern coat of arms of finland, lion did not yet brandish weapon.