Acceptance date: 30.11.1993, 25.12.2000

In a scarlet field there is a golden double-headed eagle, crowned with two golden imperial crowns and above them the same imperial crown with infulas, holding a golden scepter in his right paw, a golden orb in his left, having a shield on his chest, in the scarlet field of which a facing riding silver rider in azure cloak, striking with a silver spear a turned, overturned and trampled by a horse black dragon.

Official description in constitutional law:
The state emblem of the Russian Federation is a quadrangular red heraldic shield with rounded lower corners, pointed at the tip, with a golden double-headed eagle raising its spreading wings upward. The eagle is crowned with two small crowns and - above them - one large crown, connected by a ribbon. In the eagle's right paw is a scepter, in the left is an orb. On the eagle’s chest, in a red shield, is a silver rider in a blue cloak on a silver horse, striking with a silver spear a black dragon, overturned on its back and trampled by its horse.

Reproduction of the State Emblem of the Russian Federation is permitted without a heraldic shield (in the form of the main figure - a double-headed eagle with all attributes).

Since 2000, the saddle under the rider is usually depicted in red, although this is not specified in the description (but exactly this image is given in Appendix 1 to the Federal Constitutional Law “On the State Emblem of the Russian Federation”). Before this, the saddle was usually depicted in white.

Approved Decree of the President of the Russian Federation (#2050) “On the State Emblem of the Russian Federation” dated November 30, 1993; Federal Constitutional Law (#2-FKZ) “On the State Emblem of the Russian Federation”, adopted on December 8, 2000 by Resolution (#899-III) of the State Duma Federal Assembly RF, approved on December 20, 2000 by the Federation Council and signed by the President of the Russian Federation on December 25, 2000.

Rationale for symbolism:
The coat of arms of the Russian Federation is based on the historical coat of arms of the Russian Empire. A golden double-headed eagle on a red field maintains historical continuity in color scheme coats of arms of the late XV - XVII centuries. The eagle design goes back to images on monuments from the era of Peter the Great. Above the heads of the eagle are depicted three historical crowns of Peter the Great, symbolizing in the new conditions the sovereignty of both the entire Russian Federation and its parts, the subjects of the Federation; in the paws there is a scepter and an orb, personifying state power and single state; on the chest is an image of a horseman slaying a dragon with a spear. This is one of the ancient symbols of the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness, and the defense of the Fatherland. The restoration of the double-headed eagle as the State Emblem of Russia personifies continuity and continuity national history. Today's coat of arms of Russia is a new coat of arms, but its components are deeply traditional; it reflects different stages of Russian history and continues them on the eve of the third millennium.

Today the state needs symbols just as much as it did several centuries ago, if not more. The point is that a common banner can really unite people. That is why the coat of arms was invented. This is a beautiful and mysterious symbol of an entire era.

Beautiful coat of arms of the Fatherland

So, what does it represent in the modern Russian Federation? What is remarkable? The law says that this is a quadrangular shield with rounded lower corners, a red heraldic shield, pointed at the tip, with the image of a golden double-headed eagle raising its spread wings upward. The said bird is crowned with two small crowns. Moreover, above these crowns there is another large crown connected by a ribbon. It is noteworthy that in the right paw of the eagle there is a scepter, and in the left there is an orb. On the chest of the bird, framed by a red shield, there is a silver rider dressed in a blue cloak. The knight is depicted on a silver horse, a man strikes a black serpent trampled by a horse, overturned on its back, with a silver spear. In order to fully understand the essence of the symbol, you need to figure out why the coat of arms of Russia is a double-headed eagle? Honor and conscience, a beautiful bird and a proud rider, crowns and swords... All this is the state emblem of the Russian Federation!

How to portray?

It should be noted that modern reproduction The state emblem of the Russian Federation is completely acceptable without the so-called heraldic shield. That is, in fact, the main figure remains: a double-headed eagle, possessing the attributes that were listed earlier. In addition, a single-color version of the symbol is allowed.

What does it mean?

It is interesting that the golden double-headed eagle, located on the red material, usually symbolizes historical continuity directly in the color scheme of the symbols of the late fifteenth to seventeenth centuries. The design of this bird, which belongs to the coat of arms of the Russian Federation, goes back to the images that are located on the monuments of the era of Peter the Great.

As for the eagle above the heads, these are the three historical crowns of Peter the Great himself. That is, they symbolize the sovereignty of our Fatherland - the Russian Federation - and the sovereignty of its parts, and therefore the subjects of the Federation.

What is their role? Their importance is simply enormous! The scepter and orb, which are in the paws of an eagle, are a symbol state power, as well as a single fatherland.

The importance of interpretation

It should be noted that the image of a horseman who strikes a fire-breathing dragon with a spear on the chest of a militant bird is one of the most ancient symbols of the constant struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and the defense of the Motherland. This is notable for the coat of arms of the Russian Federation.

There is a special legal act that regulates the depiction of the coat of arms as the main symbol of our Fatherland. But where did it all begin? Why is he the way he is?

Old Russian seals

It is noteworthy that the very concept of the so-called knightly hereditary coat of arms, which was widely accepted in Western Europe, did not exist in Rus'. In particular, during struggles and fierce battles, embroidered or painted images of the Virgin Mary, Christ, certain saints, or simply an Orthodox cross most often served as banners. The images found on some ancient Russian military shields were also not considered hereditary. That is why the history of the coat of arms of the Russian Federation is, first of all, the history of the so-called grand ducal seal, which has been known for a long time.

Symbolism from antiquity

It should be said that on their own seals Old Russian princes They usually depicted, first of all, patron saints (in particular, on the seal belonging to Simeon the Proud, Saint Simeon is depicted, but on the seal of the famous Prince Demetrius of Donskoy, Saint Demetrius “ruled,” as you might guess). In addition, as a rule, there was an inscription on the symbolism that indicated who directly owned this seal. The wording was also interesting. For example, “the seal belongs to prince so-and-so.” This was considered a banner of honor.

More modern options

Approximately starting from Mstislav, known in wide circles as Udatny, as well as the grandchildren and other descendants of Vsevolod, nicknamed the “Big Nest,” the so-called “rider” began to appear on seals, that is, a symbolic image of the prince ruling at the current time. Interestingly, the rider’s weapon could well have been different. In particular, a bow, a spear, and a sword were most often depicted. But on coins from the time of Ivan the Second the Red, a foot warrior began to appear for the first time, striking a serpent with a sword (in other interpretations, a dragon). This is almost the coat of arms of the Russian Federation.

New elements

It is noteworthy that the image of the rider, for which the coat of arms of the Russian Federation is famous, was usually characteristic of numerous seals that belonged not only to the princes of Vladimir and Moscow, but also to other rulers. For example, during the reign of Ivan the Third, the image of a horseman who kills a snake or dragon was on the symbolism not of the Grand Duke of Moscow (there was a man with a sword), but of his brother-in-law, who was called the Grand Duke of Tverskoy Mikhail Borisovich. And the modern state emblem of the Russian Federation is not much different from that symbolism. And that's great!

It is interesting that since this Prince of Moscow began to single-handedly rule Russia, a rider on a horse who kills a dragon with a spear, that is, a symbolic image of the actual victory of good over evil, becomes one of the most important symbols of the entire Russian state, along with the no less famous and popular double-headed eagle. This became the predetermining moment in the formation of the modern perception of national symbols.

Russian state and coat of arms

So, the symbolism of our Fatherland cannot be imagined without the presence in it of the image of a double-headed eagle. First unusual bird in the role of the state symbol of the entire Russian state is found directly on the reverse side of the official seal of Ivan the Third Vasilyevich in one thousand four hundred and ninety-seven, although these images were found earlier in ancient Russian art, as well as on Tver coins. However, this was the first time she was remembered this way.

Fighter and his bird

It should be noted that the placement of the rider directly on the chest of the eagle may well be explained by the fact that there were usually two state seals that were different in size, namely the Greater and the Lesser. These are the first elements for which the Russian coat of arms is famous. In the second case, it was double-sided, usually attached to an important document, with an eagle and a horseman placed separately on each side. But the large seal was one-sided. She in mandatory was attached to the sheets, which is why subsequently the need arose to combine two symbols of the state into one. As practice has shown, this was an excellent decision.

For the first time, this combination is found directly on the great seal of Ivan the Terrible in the year one thousand five hundred and sixty-two. This is already a kind of coat of arms of Russia. At the same time, as a rule, a unicorn began to appear instead of a rider. And although the tsar himself did not consider this beast to be such a necessary symbol of the state, nevertheless, this animal was found on some of the seals of the famous Boris Godunov, False Dmitry, and also Alexei Mikhailovich.

It is noteworthy that on the Great Seal of Ivan the Terrible in the seventy-seventh year of the sixteenth century, instead of two crowns, one began to appear, which was characterized by a cross over an eagle. It was very unusual. The two crowns returned during the reign of the legendary Fyodor Ivanovich, but now an Orthodox cross was placed above the two heads of the eagle (probably as an independent symbol of the independent and strong Russian Orthodox Church).

The crown of creation

It should be noted that on the small seal of False Dmitry in one thousand six hundred and four, the eagle was depicted for the first time under three crowns, while the rider on the bird’s chest was turned, as a rule, in right side, according to established Western European heraldic traditions. It is noteworthy that after the period of False Dmitry, the image of the knight returned to its original state. Now two crowns were placed over the eagle’s heads for a long period of time. It is interesting that the date of the official establishment of all three crowns on the coat of arms can be considered one thousand six hundred and twenty-five. At that time, on the so-called small state seal under Mikhail Fedorovich, a third crown appeared between the heads of the bird instead of a cross (this is how the symbolism differed from the seal of False Dmitry, which was quite possibly made in Poland). It was logical. Under the real Russian Tsar, all the symbolism was originally Russian. The so-called Great State Seal of the famous ruler Alexei Mikhailovich, as well as his son Mikhail Fedorovich, bore the same symbols in one thousand six hundred and forty-five. And here it is - the coat of arms of Russia, the significance of which in history is difficult to overestimate. Beautiful, unusual and proud...

Coat of arms of the Russian Empire

But the symbols of our Fatherland were not always so uniform. So, in particular, the Great Coat of Arms usually depicted a black double-headed eagle in a golden shield, which was crowned with two imperial crowns. It is interesting that above the indicated crowns there was the same decoration, but in large view. It was a crown, marked by the two ends of the fluttering ribbon of the Order of St. Andrew. Such a state eagle holds a golden scepter, as well as an orb, in its powerful claws. As for the chest of the bird, the coat of arms of Moscow is depicted here, that is, in a scarlet shield with golden edges are the Holy Great Martyr, as well as the Victorious George. It should be noted that he is depicted in silver armor and an azure robe, on a silver horse covered with crimson cloth trimmed with gold fringe. A brave horseman strikes a golden dragon with green wings with a spear from eight-pointed cross in its upper part.

Usually the shield crowned the most famous Holy Grand Duke. Around this symbolism there was a chain of the Order of the Most Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. It is noteworthy that on the sides there were images of saints.

It must be said that the main shield from below was surrounded by eight similar symbols of principalities and “kingdoms”. In addition, “His Imperial Majesty’s family coat of arms” was present here. It is interesting that six other symbols of principalities and regions were also placed above the canopy of the main shield itself.

By the way, the small coat of arms usually represented a black double-headed eagle, directly on the wings of which, as a rule, eight shields of principalities, as well as “kingdoms,” were depicted. It is interesting that the description of the coat of arms of Russia is very reminiscent of the description of these ancient symbols that have been known in Rus' for a long time. Everything, as we know, is formed historically, going on from time immemorial. Therefore, it is not surprising that such a symbol has been formed over centuries.

What about now?

Today, everywhere, in all schools, the coat of arms of Russia and its meaning in history and culture are studied. And it is right. Children should understand from a young age where things come from and what they mean. So, the modern coat of arms of the Russian Federation is a unique symbol that allows any foreigner to understand how strong our state is, how unshakable our people are. It is not enough to understand the decoding of concepts, you need to remember the meaning. Today you can see the coat of arms of the Russian Federation everywhere, its photos are posted on the Internet and constantly “flicker” on TV. Therefore, studying it is not only easy, but also simply necessary. Knowing your history, feeling your unity, experiencing healthy patriotism and understanding the meaning of symbols is very important.

The coat of arms of Russia was approved on November 30, 1993.

Description of the coat of arms

Based on the Regulations on state emblem Russian Federation, clause 1:

"The state emblem of the Russian Federation is an image of a golden double-headed eagle placed on a red heraldic shield; above the eagle - three historical crowns of Peter the Great (above the heads - two small ones and above them - one bigger size); in the eagle's paws are a scepter and an orb; on the eagle's chest on a red shield is a horseman slaying a dragon with a spear."

Symbolism

Three crowns signify the country's sovereignty. The scepter and orb are a symbol of state power and the unity of the state. The author of the most common image of the coat of arms of the Russian Federation is People's Artist Evgeniy Ilyich Ukhnalev. The symbol of the double-headed eagle first appeared in the history of Russia in 1497, although it was found on Tver coins even earlier. Double headed eagle - symbol Byzantine Empire. The borrowing of this symbol, as well as from Serbia, Albania from Byzantium, is explained by economic, diplomatic, as well as cultural proximity. The heraldic shield became red for the reason that the image of an eagle on red belongs to the Byzantine heraldic tradition, and the image of an eagle on yellow is closer to the Roman heraldic tradition (coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire).

Possible coat of arms options

All of the above coats of arms are acceptable for use. Most often, the coat of arms is depicted in full color with a shield, as well as in black and white without a shield (on seals).

History of the origin of the coat of arms of Russia

Coat of arms of Russia 1497

The process of uniting the disparate principalities began before John III. It was his father, Vasily II Vasilyevich (ruled from 1435 to 1462), who began the process of unifying Russian lands.

Under John III of Moscow, the principality finally gained strength and subjugated Pskov, Novgorod, and Ryazan. During this period, Tver significantly weakened as a center for the unification of lands.

During the reign of John III, the traditions of government began to change. All the nobility in the subject lands lost their privileges. It was during the reign of John III that the veche bell of Novgorod was dismantled and brought to Moscow.

John III also built a new diplomatic policy. He took the title "Sovereign of All Rus'".

During this period, John III marries the Byzantine queen Sophia (Zinaida) Fominichna Palaeologus.

"John III wisely adopted for Russia the symbolic coat of arms of the Byzantine Empire: a black double-headed eagle on a yellow field and combined it with the Moscow coat of arms - a horseman (St. George) in white clothes on a white horse, slaying a serpent. The state emblem, according to state law, is recognized as a visible symbol distinctive sign the state itself, emblematically depicted on the state seal, on a coin, on a banner, etc. And as such a symbol, the coat of arms of the state expresses the distinctive idea and principles that the state considers itself called upon to implement.

Due to the use by Tsar John III of the Byzantine coat of arms together with the Moscow coat of arms on the seals of internal and external state acts preserved since 1497, this year is generally considered to be the year of the adoption and merger of the coat of arms of the Byzantine Empire with the coat of arms of the Russian kingdom". /E.N. Voronets. Kharkov. 1912./

Thus, the coat of arms appeared at the moment of the emergence of the modern Russian state.

It is definitely impossible to say that the coat of arms appeared in 1497, since the matrices for printing coins lasted for 5-15 years. On a coin from 1497, a spearman was reflected on one side, and a double-headed eagle on the other. But we can say for sure that this period can be limited from 1490 to 1500.

Theories of the appearance of the double-headed eagle in Russia as an official symbol

There are several points of view on the appearance of images of a double-headed eagle in Russia (Rus). Firstly, the eagle was originally used on coins and seals of Tver and Moscow. Secondly, the eagle began to be used at approximately the same time - approximately the end of the 15th century, together with images of a spearman.

Currently, there are three theories explaining the appearance of the double-headed eagle on the seals of kings.

Byzantine theory

This theory was actively supported by Russian monarchists and many historians. In most sources it remains the only one. According to this theory, the double-headed eagle began to be used after the marriage of John III with the Byzantine queen Sophia (Zinaida) Fominichna Palaeologus.

This theory is also supported by the fact that the marriage of the monarchs coincided with the appearance in Rus' of coins combining the image of a spearman on one side and a double-headed eagle on the other.

Theory of symbol borrowing in the Holy Roman Empire

In the Holy Roman Empire until 1440, a regular eagle was used. After this period it changes to a double-headed eagle.

Some historians and heraldists note that in Muscovy the double-headed eagle could have been adopted for use under the influence of the Holy Roman Empire.

The theory of symbol borrowing in the Balkan countries

The third version of the borrowing of the symbol is the borrowing of the double-headed eagle from a number of Balkan countries: Bulgaria, Serbia.

Each of the theories has its own right to exist.

You can read more about the appearance of the double-headed eagle on the coats of arms of the world in a separate article: eagle in heraldry.

Since 1539, Russian heraldry has been influenced by the Central European heraldic tradition. In accordance with it, the eagle’s beaks are open and its tongue is protruding. This position of the bird is called: “armed”

During this period, the double-headed eagle was transferred from the reverse of the seal to the obverse. Its meaning is fixed in Russian heraldry.

On the reverse side, a mythological animal appears for the first time: the unicorn.

From this period, a shield appears on the double-headed eagle’s chest (at first of a baroque heraldic form), on which there is a rider with a spear, striking a dragon on one side (the main side) and a unicorn on the shield on the other (reverse side).

This version of the coat of arms differs from the previous one in that there is now one jagged crown above the eagle’s heads, which symbolizes the unity and supremacy of the Moscow Prince Ivan IV the Terrible over the Russian lands.

On this seal, on each side there are emblems of 12 Russian lands (in total, 24 emblems on both sides).

Unicorn on state seals

The unicorn first appeared as one of the symbols of state power in 1560. The meaning of this symbol is still not clear. It appeared on state seals several more times - during the reigns of Boris Godunov, False Dmitry, Mikhail Fedorovich and Alexei Mikhailovich. After 1646 this symbol not used.

During the Time of Troubles, the state emblem was brought into line with the European heraldic tradition for a short period of time. The spearman was turned to the left, and crowns were again placed above the heads of the eagles. The eagle's wings began to be depicted spread out.

After the end of the Time of Troubles and the reign of the new Romanov dynasty in Russia, the state seal, coat of arms and other symbols changed.

The main changes were that, in accordance with European heraldic tradition, the eagle's wings were now spread out. In accordance with Russian emblematic tradition, the spearman is turned to the right. Three crowns were finally placed above the eagle's heads. The beaks of the eagle's heads are open. The scepter and orb are clutched in the paws.

It was under Emperor Alexei Mikhailovich that a description of the state coat of arms first appeared.

"The eastern eagle shines with three crowns:
Reveals Faith, Hope, Love for God.
Krile stretches out - embraces all the worlds of the end:
north, south, from the east all the way to the west of the sun
with outstretched wings covers the good"("Slavic Bible" 1663, poetic form of description).

The second description is given in the state normative act: the decree “On the royal title and the state seal” dated December 14, 1667:

"The double-headed eagle is the coat of arms of the Great Sovereign, Tsar and Grand Duke Alexei Mikhailovich of All Great, Little, and White Russia, the Samozherzh, His Royal Majesty of the Russian Kingdom, on which (the coat of arms - editor's note) three crowns are depicted, signifying the three great Kazan, The Astrakhan, Siberian glorious kingdoms, submitting to the God-protected and highest power of His Royal Majesty the Most Gracious Sovereign and command... on the Persians (on the chest - editor's note) there is an image of the heir (this is how the rider was interpreted - editor's note); in the claws (claws - editor's note) a scepter and an apple (power - editor's note), and reveals the most gracious Sovereign, His Royal Majesty the Autocrat and Possessor".

Coat of arms of Russia during the reign of Peter the Great

Since 1710, the horseman on the Russian coat of arms has been increasingly associated with St. George the Victorious, and not with a simple spear-bearer. Also during the reign of Peter the Great, crowns on the eagle’s head began to be depicted in the form of imperial crowns. Petal and other crowns were no longer used from this point on.

Master - Haupt	Matrix of the state seal of 1712 Master - Becker

It was under Peter I that the coat of arms adopted the following color design: the double-headed eagle became black; beak, eyes, tongue, paws, golden-colored attributes; the field became golden; the affected dragon turned black; St. George the Victorious was depicted in silver. This color scheme was followed by all subsequent rulers from the House of Romanov.

Under Peter the Great, the coat of arms received the first official description. Under the leadership of Count B.Kh. von Minich can be found today: “The State Coat of Arms in the old way: a double-headed eagle, black, on the heads of the crown, and at the top in the middle there is a large Imperial crown - gold; in the middle of that eagle is George on a white horse, defeating the serpent: epancha (cloak - editor's note) and the spear are yellow, the crown (crown crowning St. George - editor's note) is yellow, the serpent is black; the field around (that is, around the double-headed eagle - editor's note) is white, and in the middle (that is, under St. George - editor's note) red."

In the 17th century, the state emblem underwent a large number of changes and options

Coats of arms of Russia under Paul I

After Peter the Great, the coat of arms of Russia changed significantly under Paul I. It was under this ruler that all variants of the coat of arms of Russia were unified and brought to one form

This year the Maltese cross appears on the coat of arms of Russia. This year Russia took the island of Malta under its protection. The following year, Britain captured the island. Paul ordered the transfer of the Order of Malta to Russia. The fact that the Maltese cross remained on the Russian coat of arms meant its claim to this territory.

Also, under Paul I, a full coat of arms with shield holders appeared, made in accordance with the traditions of that time. At this time, the “Manifesto on the full coat of arms of the All-Russian Empire” was prepared. The large coat of arms contained 43 coats of arms of the lands that were part of it. The archangels Michael and Gabriel became the shield holders. The manifesto never came into force for the reason that the head of state was killed.

Under Alexander I, this type of coat of arms first appeared. It was different from the standard coat of arms. The main difference was that the coats of arms of the dependent territories (Finland, Astrakhan, Kazan, etc.) were not placed on the military coat of arms. The shield on the eagle's chest had a distinct heraldic shape from the French shield. The wings were not raised up.

Under the next emperor, Nicholas I, this tradition was consolidated.

This coat of arms existed during the reign of Nicholas I.

Köhne reform (1857)

Köhne Bernhard was born in 1817 in Berlin. In 1844 he was appointed to the position of curator of the numismatic department of the Hermitage. In 1857, Köhne was appointed head of the armorial department of the heraldry department.

The book “Armorial of the Russian Empire” (XI-XIII) was published under the editorship of Koehne.

It was Bernhard Köhne who arranged the coats of arms of the territories Russian Empire. It is believed that it was under the influence of Koehne that the state received a new state flag, black, yellow and white. Although in fact, Koehne used only already developed historical materials (it is worth paying attention to the design of the large full coat of arms of the Russian Empire from 1800; on it, shield holders support a yellow flag with a black eagle with their free hand).

Köhne, in accordance with the heraldic tradition that had developed at that time, brought all coats of arms into conformity. The first coat of arms corrected by Koehne was the coat of arms of the Russian Empire. It was under him that three versions of the coat of arms were formed: large, medium, small.

As mentioned above, under the leadership of Koehne the artist Alexander Fadeev created new drawing coat of arms

Main changes in the coat of arms:

• drawing of a double-headed eagle;
• added the number of shields (increased from six to eight) on the eagle’s wings;
• the rider slaying the dragon now faces heraldic right (towards the eagle's right wing).

A year later, under the leadership of Köhne, the medium and large coats of arms were also prepared.

In this coat of arms, the main elements of the coat of arms of the previous version were retained. The color of the crowns has changed - it is now silver.

All attributes of monarchy were removed from the seal, and the shields were removed.

The sketch of the emblem-coat of arms was made by Vladislav Lukomsky, Sergei Troinitsky, Georgy Narbut, Ivan Bilibin.

An interesting fact is that the emblem was used on the reverse of coins issued by the Central Bank of Russia at the end of the 20th century. - beginning of XXI. Many people mistakenly consider this emblem to be the state emblem, which is a misconception.

Common misconceptions about the coat of arms of Russia

It is not the coat of arms of Moscow that is placed on the eagle’s chest, although the elements are very similar to the coat of arms of Moscow. No less important is the fact that the horseman of the state coat of arms is not an image of St. George. On the coat of arms of Moscow the horseman is “galloping”, and on the state emblem it is “riding”. On the coat of arms of Moscow, the rider has a headdress. On the coat of arms of Russia the dragon is prostrate (lying on its back), and on the city coat of arms the dragon stands on four legs.

Use of the coat of arms on facades

Sources

• Coats of arms of cities, provinces, regions and towns of the Russian Empire, included in the complete collection of laws from 1649 to 1900/ compiled. P. P. von-Winkler;
• "How did black, yellow and white colors Russian heraldic symbolization" Presented by E.N. Voronets. Kharkov. 1912.
• Manifesto of Emperor Paul I on the full coat of arms of the All-Russian Empire. Approved December 16, 1800;
• Website of the Heraldic Council under the President of the Russian Federation;
• Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of November 30, 1993 N 2050 (as amended on September 25, 1999);
• Decree "On the royal title and the state seal" dated December 14, 1667.
• "Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron."
• Some of the photographs were provided by Oransky A.V. and is prohibited from copying.

The coat of arms of Russia is one of the main state symbols of Russia, along with the flag and anthem. After the RSFSR was renamed the Russian Federation on December 25, 1991, the country continued to use the old pre-revolutionary coat of arms with the image of a double-headed eagle.

The word coat of arms comes from the German word Erbe, which means inheritance. A coat of arms is a symbolic image that shows the historical traditions of a state or city. The coats of arms themselves appeared a very long time ago; the totems of primitive tribes can be considered their predecessors. Coastal tribes had figurines of dolphins and turtles as totems, steppe tribes had snakes, forest tribes had bears, deer, and wolves. A special role was played by the signs of the Sun, Moon, earth and water...

The reign of Grand Duke Ivan III (1462-1505) is the most important stage in the formation of a unified Russian state. Ivan III managed to finally eliminate dependence on the Golden Horde, repelling the campaign of Khan Akhmat against Moscow in 1480. The Grand Duchy of Moscow included Yaroslavl, Novgorod, Tver, and Perm lands. The country began to actively develop ties with other European countries, and its foreign policy position strengthened. In 1497, the all-Russian Code of Law was adopted - a single set of laws of the country - the prototype of the Constitution and codes. Actually, the time of formation of the symbols of Russian statehood can be counted from the reign of Ivan III.

Ivan III married the Byzantine princess Sophia Paleologus and to increase his authority in relations with foreign countries adopts the family coat of arms of the Byzantine kings - a double-headed eagle. The double-headed eagle of Byzantium represented the powerful Roman-Byzantine Empire, covering significant lands both in the East and in the West. Emperor Maximilian II, however, spared Sophia his Imperial eagle; the eagle depicted on the banner of Sophia Paleologus did not have the Imperial crown, but only the Caesar's crown.

Nevertheless, the opportunity to become equal with all European sovereigns prompted Ivan III to accept this coat of arms as the heraldic symbol of his state. Having transformed from the Grand Duke into the Tsar of Moscow and taking a new coat of arms for his state - the Double-Headed Eagle, Ivan III in 1472 placed Caesar's crowns on both heads.

After death Vasily III, because his heir Ivan IV, who later received the name Grozny, was still small, the regency of his mother Elena Glinskaya (1533-1538) began, and the actual autocracy of the boyars Shuisky, Belsky (1538-1548) began. And here the Russian Eagle undergoes a very comical modification.

When Ivan IV turns 16 years old and is crowned king, the Eagle immediately undergoes a very significant change, as if personifying the entire era of the reign of Ivan the Terrible (1548-1574, 1576-1584).

The return of Ivan the Terrible to the throne causes the appearance of a new Eagle, the heads of which are crowned with one, common crown of a clearly Western design. But that’s not all, on the Eagle’s chest, instead of the icon of St. George the Victorious, an image of a unicorn appears. Why and why? One can only guess about this. True, in fairness it should be noted that this Eagle was quickly canceled by Ivan the Terrible. Apparently the tsar realized that such a fairy-tale zoo was inappropriate on the state emblem.

Ivan the Terrible dies and the weak, limited Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich “Blessed” (1584-1587) reigns on the throne. And again the Eagle changes its appearance. During the reign of Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich, between the crowned heads of the double-headed eagle, the sign of the passion of Christ appears: the so-called calvary cross. The cross on the state seal was a symbol of Orthodoxy, giving a religious connotation to the state emblem. The appearance of the “Golgotha ​​cross” in the coat of arms of Russia coincides with the establishment of the patriarchate and ecclesiastical independence of Russia in 1589.

In the 17th century, the Orthodox cross was often depicted on Russian banners. The banners of foreign regiments that were part of the Russian army had their own emblems and inscriptions; however, an Orthodox cross was also placed on them, which indicated that the regiment fighting under this banner served the Orthodox sovereign. Until the middle of the 17th century, a seal was widely used, in which a double-headed eagle with a rider on its chest is crowned with two crowns, and an Orthodox eight-pointed cross rises between the heads of the eagle.

In connection with the Polish occupation, the Eagle becomes very similar to the Polish one, differing only in its two heads.

The shaky attempt to establish a new dynasty in the person of Vasily Shuisky (1606-1610), the painters from the official hut reflected in Orel, deprived of all the attributes of sovereignty, and as if in mockery, from the place where the heads are fused, either a flower or a cone will grow. Russian history says very little about Tsar Vladislav I Sigismundovich (1610-1612); however, he was not crowned in Rus', but he issued decrees, his image was minted on coins, and the Russian State Eagle had its own forms with him. Moreover, for the first time the Scepter appears in the Eagle’s paw. The short and essentially fictitious reign of this king actually put an end to the Troubles.

The Time of Troubles ended, Russia repelled the claims to the throne of the Polish and Swedish dynasties. Numerous impostors were defeated, and the uprisings that flared in the country were suppressed. Since 1613 by decision Zemsky Sobor The Romanov dynasty began to rule in Russia. Under the first king of this dynasty - Mikhail Fedorovich (1613-1645), popularly nicknamed "The Quietest" - the State Emblem changes somewhat. In 1625, for the first time, a double-headed eagle was depicted under three crowns; St. George the Victorious returned on the chest, but no longer in the form of an icon, in the form of a shield. Also, in icons, St. George the Victorious always galloped from left to right, i.e. from west to east towards the eternal enemies - the Mongol-Tatars. Now the enemy was in the west, the Polish gangs and the Roman Curia did not abandon their hopes of bringing Rus' to the Catholic faith.

In 1645, under the son of Mikhail Fedorovich - Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich - the first Great State Seal appeared, on which a double-headed eagle with a rider on his chest was crowned with three crowns. From that time on, this type of image was constantly used.

In contrast to the Byzantine model and, perhaps, under the influence of the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire, the double-headed eagle, starting in 1654, began to be depicted with raised wings. And then the eagle “flew up” onto the spiers of the Moscow Kremlin towers.

In 1667, after long war Russia and Poland because of Ukraine, the Andrusovo Truce was concluded. To seal this agreement, a Great Seal was made with a double-headed eagle under three crowns, with a shield with a rider on the chest, with a scepter and an orb in its paws.

In the same year, the first in the history of Russia Decree of December 14 “On the royal title and on the state seal” appeared, which contained the official description of the coat of arms: “The double-headed eagle is the coat of arms of the Great Sovereign, Tsar and Grand Duke Alexei Mikhailovich of all Great and Lesser and White Russia autocrat, His Royal Majesty of the Russian reign, on which three crowns are depicted signifying the three great Kazan, Astrakhan, Siberian glorious kingdoms. On the chest (chest) there is an image of the heir; in the claws (claws) there is a scepter and an apple, and reveals the most gracious Sovereign, His Royal Majesty Autocrat and Possessor."

In 1696, the throne went to Peter I Alekseevich “the Great” (1689-1725). And almost immediately the State Emblem dramatically changes its shape. The era of great transformations begins. The capital is moved to St. Petersburg and Oryol takes on new attributes. Crowns appear on the heads under one common larger one, and on the chest there is an order chain of the Order of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called. This order, approved by Peter in 1798, became the first in the system of highest state awards in Russia. The Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, one of the heavenly patrons of Peter Alekseevich, was declared the patron saint of Russia.

The blue oblique St. Andrew's Cross (at the bottom of the eagle's plumage) becomes the main element of the insignia of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called and the symbol of the Russian Navy. Since 1699, there have been images of a double-headed eagle surrounded by a chain with the sign of the Order of St. Andrew. And already next year the Order of St. Andrew is placed around a shield with a rider.

It is also important to say about another Eagle, which Peter painted as a very young boy for the banner of the Amusing Regiment. This Eagle had only one paw for: "Who has only one ground force has - has one hand, but whoever has a fleet has two hands."

With minor or significant, but short-term, changes, this image of the coat of arms of Russia existed until the beginning of the reign of Paul I (1796-1801), who made an attempt to introduce the full coat of arms of the Russian Empire. On December 16, 1800, he signed the Manifesto, which described this complex project. Forty-three coats of arms were placed in the multi-field shield and on nine small shields. In the center was the above-described coat of arms in the form of a double-headed eagle with a Maltese cross, larger than the others. The shield with coats of arms is superimposed on the Maltese cross, and under it the sign of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called again appears. The shield holders, the archangels Michael and Gabriel, support the imperial crown over the knight's helmet and cloak. The entire composition is placed against the background of a mantle with a dome - a heraldic symbol of sovereignty. From behind the shield with coats of arms emerge two standards with a double-headed and a single-headed eagles... This project, thank God, was not approved.

In 1855-1857, during the heraldic reform, which was carried out under the leadership of Baron B. Kene, the type of state eagle was changed under the influence of German designs. The drawing of the Small Coat of Arms of Russia, executed by Alexander Fadeev, was approved by the highest on December 8, 1856. This version of the coat of arms differed from the previous ones not only in the image of an eagle, but also in the number of “title” coats of arms on the wings. On the right were shields with the coats of arms of Kazan, Poland, Tauride Chersonese and the combined coat of arms of the Grand Duchies (Kyiv, Vladimir, Novgorod), on the left were shields with the coats of arms of Astrakhan, Siberia, Georgia, Finland.

On April 11, 1857, the Supreme approval of the entire set of state emblems followed. It included: Big, Middle and Small, coats of arms of members of the imperial family, as well as “titular” coats of arms. At the same time, drawings of the Large, Middle and Small state seals, arks (cases) for seals, as well as seals of the main and lower official places and persons were approved. In total, one hundred and ten drawings were approved in one act, which we, of course, will not present.

With minor changes made in 1882 Alexander III, the coat of arms of Russia existed until 1917.

The Commission of the Provisional Government came to the conclusion that the double-headed eagle itself does not carry any monarchical or dynastic characteristics, therefore, deprived of a crown, scepter, orb, coats of arms of kingdoms, lands and all other heraldic attributes, it was “left in service” - absolutely naked ...

The Bolsheviks had a completely different opinion. By decree of the Council of People's Commissars of November 10, 1917, along with estates, ranks, titles and old regime orders, the coat of arms and flag were completely abolished. But making the decision turned out to be easier than implementing it. Government bodies continued to exist and function, so for another six months the old coat of arms was used where necessary, on signs indicating authorities and in documents.

The new coat of arms of Russia was adopted along with the new constitution in July 1918. Initially, the ears of corn were not crowned with a five-pointed star; it was introduced a few years later as a symbol of the unity of the proletariat of the five continents of the planet.

The double-headed eagle was finally retired, remaining only to “sit” on the towers of the Moscow Kremlin. The Politburo of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks replaced them with ruby ​​stars only in 1935.

In 1990, the Government of the RSFSR adopted a resolution on the creation of the State Emblem and State Flag of the RSFSR. After a comprehensive discussion, the Government Commission proposed to recommend to the Government a coat of arms - a golden double-headed eagle on a red field. In 1993, by decree of President B.N. Yeltsin, the double-headed Eagle was re-approved as the state emblem. And only in 2000 the double-headed Eagle was finally approved State Duma. The modern coat of arms is based on the coat of arms of Peter I. But the double-headed eagle is gold in color, not black, and it is placed on a red heraldic shield.

Throughout the history of our state, each ruler contributed to the formation of the coat of arms, and, often, the historical events taking place at that moment were reflected on it. His character and political views were also reflected in his portrayal. All the details of the formation of the state wallpaper can be found in the history of its state symbols...

The eagle originally appeared in Russia from the collapsed mighty Roman Empire. It was necessary for the then very young To the Russian state as a symbol of power. The stronger Russia became, the more confident and powerful the eagle on the coat of arms looked.

Over time, having become a huge and independent state, Russia acquired all the attributes of statehood and power on its coat of arms: a crown, a scepter and an orb, which even now partly personify the modern Russian state.

The final version of the State Emblem of the Russian Federation was approved by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of November 30, 1993. The author of the sketch of the coat of arms is artist E.I. Ukhnalev.

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based on materials from WiKi and other free sources

This is a special emblem made in accordance with heraldic canons.

It represents an interconnected system of images and colors, which carries the idea of ​​the integrity of the state and is inextricably linked with its history, traditions and mentality.

The appearance of this official sign is enshrined in the Constitution.

Brief description and meaning of the symbols of the coat of arms of Russia

This state insignia is a red heraldic shield, in the middle of which there is a golden double-headed eagle. The bird holds an orb in its left clawed paw, and a scepter in its right.

On each of the heads there is a crown, and on top there is another, larger one. All three royal decorations are connected by a gold ribbon.

In the center of the shield, on the eagle’s chest, there is another red cloth. It depicts a plot familiar to every Russian: St. George the Victorious kills a snake.

There are many icons and paintings illustrating this legend. This is the most recognizable image of the saint. On the emblem he is represented as a silver rider on a silver horse, wearing a blue cloak. A monster under the hooves of a black horse.

How were the symbols on the coat of arms of the Russian Federation formed and what do they mean?

Today, heraldry is an auxiliary branch of historical science. The emblems of countries, along with annals and chronicles, represent the most important historical evidence.

IN Western Europe During the times of chivalry, every noble family had a symbol that was inherited from generation to generation. It was present on the banners and was a sign of distinction by which a representative of the clan was recognized both on the battlefield and at the feast. In our country, this tradition has not been developed. Russian soldiers carried embroidered images of the great martyrs, Christ or the Virgin Mary into battle. The Russian heraldic sign originates from princely seals.

What do the main elements of the Russian coat of arms mean: St. George the Victorious

On the princely seals there were the patron saints of the rulers and an inscription indicating who owned the symbol of power. Later, a symbolic image of the head began to appear on them and on coins. Usually it was a horseman holding some kind of weapon in his hand. It could be a bow, sword or spear.

Initially, the “rider” (as this image was called) was not a sign only of the Moscow principality, but after the unification of lands around the new capital in the 15th century, it became an official attribute of the Moscow sovereigns. He replaced the lion who defeats the snake.

What is depicted on the state emblem of Russia: a double-headed eagle

It should be noted that this is a popular symbol, which is used as the main one not only by the Russian Federation, but also by Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro. The history of the appearance of one of the main elements of our emblem goes back to the times of the Sumerians. There in this ancient kingdom he personified God.

Since antiquity, the eagle has been considered a solar symbol associated with the spiritual principle and liberation from bonds. This element of the Russian coat of arms means courage, pride, desire for victory, royal origin and the greatness of the country. In the Middle Ages it was a symbol of baptism and rebirth, as well as of Christ in his ascension.

IN Ancient Rome the image of a black eagle was used, which had one head. Such a bird was brought as a family image by Sophia Paleologus, the niece of the last Byzantine emperor Constantine, whom Ivan the Terrible’s grandfather, Ivan III, known as Kalita, married. In Russia, the history of the famous double-headed eagle begins during his reign. Together with his marriage, he received the right to this symbol as a state emblem. It confirmed that our country had become the heir of Byzantium and began to claim the right to be a world Orthodox power. Ivan III received the title of Tsar of All Rus', ruler of the entire Orthodox East.

But during the time of Ivan III, the official emblem in the traditional sense still did not exist. The bird was featured on the royal seal. It was very different from the modern one and looked more like a chick. This is symbolic, since Rus' at that time was a young, fledgling country. The eagle's wings and beak were closed, the feathers smoothed.

After defeating Tatar-Mongol yoke and with the liberation of the country from centuries-old oppression, the wings flutter open, emphasizing the power and might of the Russian state. Under Vasily Ioanovich, the beak also opens, emphasizing the strengthening of the country’s position. At the same time, the eagle developed tongues, which became a sign that the country could stand up for itself. It was at this moment that the monk Philotheus puts forward a theory about Moscow as the third Rome. Spreading wings appeared much later, in the early years of the Romanov dynasty. They showed neighboring hostile states that Russia had perked up and rose from sleep.

The double-headed eagle also appeared on the state seal of Ivan the Terrible. There were two of them, small and large. The first was attached to the decree. There was a rider on one side and a bird on the other. The king replaced the abstract horseman with a specific saint. St. George the Victorious was considered the patron saint of Moscow. This interpretation would finally be consolidated under Peter I. The second seal was applied and made it necessary to combine two state symbols into one.

This is how a double-headed eagle appeared with a warrior on a horse depicted on its chest. Sometimes the rider was replaced by a unicorn, as a personal sign of the king. He was also Orthodox symbol, taken from the Psalter, like any heraldic sign. Like the hero defeating the snake, the unicorn signified the victory of good over evil, the military valor of the ruler and the righteous strength of the state. In addition, this is an image of monastic life, the desire for monasticism and solitude. This is probably why Ivan the Terrible highly valued this symbol and used it along with the traditional “rider”.

What do the elements of the images on the coat of arms of Russia mean: three crowns

One of them also appears under Ivan IV. It was on top and was decorated with an eight-pointed cross as a symbol of faith. The cross has appeared before, between the heads of birds.

During the time of Fyodor Ioanovich, the son of Ivan the Terrible, who was a very religious ruler, it was a symbol of the passion of Christ. Traditionally, the image of a cross on the coat of arms of Russia symbolizes the country's acquisition of ecclesiastical independence, which coincided with the reign of this tsar and the establishment of the patriarchate in Rus' in 1589. IN different times the number of crowns varied.

Under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich there were three of them, the ruler explained this by the fact that then the state absorbed three kingdoms: Siberian, Kazan and Astrakhan. The appearance of three crowns was also associated with Orthodox tradition, and was interpreted as a sign of the Holy Trinity.

It is currently known that this symbolism on the coat of arms of the Russian Federation means the unity of three levels of government (state, municipal and regional), or its three branches (legislative, executive and judicial).

Another version suggests that the three crowns mean the brotherhood of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. The crowns were secured with ribbon already in 2000.

What does the coat of arms of the Russian Federation mean: scepter and orb

They were added at the same time as the crown. In earlier versions, the bird could hold a torch, a laurel wreath, and even a lightning bolt.

Currently, an eagle holding a sword and a wreath is on the banner. The attributes that appeared in the image personified autocracy, absolute monarchy, but also indicated the independence of the state. After the 1917 revolution, these elements, like the crowns, were removed. The Provisional Government considered them a relic of the past.

Seventeen years ago they were returned and now adorn the modern state insignia. Scientists agree that in modern conditions This symbolism of the coat of arms of Russia means state power and the unity of the state.

What did the coat of arms of the Russian Empire mean under Peter I?

After coming to power, the first Russian emperor decided that the double-headed eagle should not just decorate certain official papers, but also become a full-fledged symbol of the country. He decided that the bird should become black, like the one that was on the banners of the Holy Roman Empire, of which Byzantium was the heir.

On the wings were painted the signs of local large principalities and kingdoms that were part of the country. For example, Kyiv, Novgorod, Kazan. One head looked to the West, the other to the East. The headdress was a large imperial crown, which replaced the royal one and hinted at the specifics of the established power. Russia asserted its independence and freedom of rights. Peter I chose this type of crown several years before he proclaimed the country an Empire and himself emperor.

The Order of St. Andrew the First-Called appeared on the bird's chest.

Until Nicholas I, the official emblem of the country retained the form established by Peter I, undergoing only minor changes.

The meaning of the colors on the coat of arms of Russia

Color, as the brightest and simplest sign, is an important part of any symbolism, including state symbols.

In 2000, it was decided to return the eagle to its golden color. It is a symbol of power, justice, wealth of the country, as well as Orthodox faith and Christian virtues such as humility and mercy. The return to the golden color emphasizes the continuity of traditions and the state’s preservation of historical memory.

The abundance of silver (cloak, spear, horse of St. George the Victorious) indicates purity and nobility, the desire to fight for a righteous cause and truth at any cost.

The red color of the shield speaks of the blood that was shed by the people in defense of their land. It is a sign of courage and love not only for the Motherland, but also for each other, and emphasizes that many fraternal peoples coexist peacefully in Russia.

The snake that the rider kills is painted black. Heraldry experts agree that this symbol on the coat of arms of the Russian Federation means the country’s constancy in trials, as well as memory and grief for the dead.

The meaning of the coat of arms of the Russian Federation

The drawing of the modern state symbol was made by St. Petersburg artist Evgeny Ukhnalev. He left the traditional elements but created a new image. The fact that signs from different eras were included in the final version emphasizes the country's long history. The type of this personification of state power is strictly regulated and described in the relevant laws.

The shield is a symbol of the protection of the earth. At the moment, the meaning of the coat of arms of the Russian Federation is interpreted as a fusion of conservatism and progress. The three rows of feathers on the bird's wings refer to the unity of Kindness, Beauty and Truth. The scepter became a sign of state sovereignty. It is interesting that it is decorated with the same double-headed eagle, clutching the same scepter and so on ad infinitum.

Briefly, we can say that the coat of arms of Russia symbolizes eternity and means the unity of all peoples of the Russian Federation. The power acts as an emblem of power and integrity.

We hope our article helped you penetrate the secrets state symbols. If you are interested in the history of not only your country, but your family, then it’s worth learning about it.

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