Coat of arms of Belgrade

History

The original coat of arms was commissioned in 1931 by Belgrade mayor Milan Nešić. The winning proposal was sketched by Đorđe Andrejević-Kun. The arms remained in continued use until the conclusion of the Second World War. Between 1946 and 1991, it included a red star on top to symbolize communist rule. The use of the arms was amended and regulated in 2003.

Symbolism

The arms contain the Serbian national colours (red, blue, and white). The red ground symbolises blood split over the city during its many conflicts. The blue sky symbolizes hope and faith in a better future. The white walls and tower symbolise the "white city" (Belgrade – Beograd literally means "the white city). The white rivers below represent the Danube and Sava and the primordial beginning of Belgrade while the Roman trireme refers to its antiquity. The open gates of the city represent free communication and commerce with the world.

Modern use

Small coat of arms

The small (or lesser) coat of arms is the original design by Đorđe Andrejević-Kun. It features a simple escutcheon.

Blazon of Basic Coat of Arms:

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Middle coat of arms

The middle (or medium) coat of arms is identical to the small, but with the addition of a golden [mural crown placed above the escutcheon. The crown features five merlons, and a diadem with five gems (rubies, sapphires, emeralds). According to the standards of Serbian Heraldry Society, this wall crown with five indents belongs only to the capital city, and the diadem with jewels belongs to the historical capitals.

Greater coat of arms

The greater coat of arms consists of a silver (white) bicephalic eagle, with gold talons and beak. The eagle is a symbol of the Serbian state, and is consistent with the national coat of arms of Serbia. On the eagle's chest are the coat of arms of Belgrade, which emphasis the status of capital, and above the eagle's heads is the wall crown of the medium coat of arms. Underneath the eagle are two oak branches, which represent civic virtues, and over the point where they cross is the first known coat of arms of Belgrade, which represents the heraldic history of the city. The sword and the olive branch on the large coat of arms represent readiness to fight in war, and to cooperate in peace. Over the oak branches are decorations given to Belgrade, in their natural colours, and with appropriate ribbons. They stand for the glorious past and merits of the citizens of Belgrade. The medals are:

1. Légion d'honneur, founded on May 19, 1802, by Napoleon Bonaparte, and is given as fifth grade and is the highest decoration of France. It was awarded to Belgrade in 1920, by Franchet d'Espèrey, French marshal, and honorary Field marshal of Serbian army. Only four cities outside France have received this medal: Belgrade, Liège, Luxembourg, and Stalingrad. Awarded to Belgrade in recognition of the glorious defence of city during World War I.
2. Order of the Karađorđe's Star, awarded to Belgrade on May 18, 1939. The order was founded in four grades King Petar I of Serbia on January 1, 1904.
3. Order of the People's Hero, awarded to Belgrade on October 20, 1974 (on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade during World War II)
4. Czechoslovak War Cross, awarded to Belgrade on October 8, 1925, founded by the Czechoslovak government. It was given for courage, and valour in fighting the enemy during World War I.

References

References

1. "Belgrade coat of arms and flag". City of Belgrade.