National Emblem of Armenia

National Symbolics of Armenia

The law on national emblem of Armenia was approved on August 23, 1990. The modern coat of arms was designed on the basis of the first emblem of the Republic of Armenia (1918-1920), which was elaborated by architect Alexander Tamanyan and the artist Hagop Kodzhoyan. Armenian flag represents an image of an eagle and a lion supporting a shield. The shield itself consists of many components. In the center is a depiction of Mount Ararat with Noah's Ark sitting atop it. According to the legend, the ark is said to have finally rested on the mountain after the great flood. Ararat is considered the national symbol of Armenia and thus is of principal importance to the coat of arms.  The shield is divided into 4 sections, which symbolize the four independent Armenian kingdoms in the history of Armenia: Arshakouniaty, Artashezianty, Bagratounianty and Rubinianty. The lion and the eagle, standing behind the shield, are the kings of the animal world and symbolize the wisdom, pride, patience and generosity. For centuries, they were symbols of royal families. In the lower part of the shield further five major characters are placed. Broken chain stands for freedom and independence, the sword - the power and strength of the nation, wheatears – hard-working nature of the Armenians, fountain pen - the intellectual and cultural heritage of the Armenian people. Three-coloured ribbon symbolizes the flag of the Republic of Armenia.