A message on the topic of the coat of arms of the Russian Federation. Russian coat of arms

How many people know why there is a double-headed eagle on the coat of arms? What does it mean? The image of a double-headed eagle is an ancient symbol denoting power. This figure first appeared during the emergence of the first developed states - about five thousand years ago. However, throughout its history this sign has been subject to different interpretations. Today, he is depicted on many symbols of power (flags and coats of arms) of various countries.

Symbol meaning

What does the double-headed eagle symbolize? This is a deep image, denoting a combination of two principles. directed in opposite directions: to the West and to the East. However, in itself it is an integral being, embodying unity. The double-headed eagle is an image of the sun, meaning nobility and power.

In some cultures, the meaning of the double-headed eagle symbol is slightly different. He is considered a messenger, an assistant of God, an executor of his will. He personifies a formidable force capable of establishing justice. However, many experts agree that the double-headed eagle is a symbol whose meaning is pride and arrogance.

The bird's wings are the personification of protection, and the sharp claws reflect the readiness to fight for ideals and ideas. A bird depicted with a white head means the purity of thought of representatives of power, its justice and wisdom. The eagle is a brave, strong guardian who can see approaching trouble from any direction.

The appearance of a symbol in history

The meaning of the double-headed eagle symbol can be traced over thousands of years in different parts Sveta. Some of its first traces were discovered in the lands in the valley of the Tigris and Euphrates, where one of the first states, Southern Mesopotamia, was located. During excavations of the city of Lagash, where the Sumerians lived, an image of an eagle was found.

Also, the meaning and veneration of this symbol is evidenced by precious talismans, which depicts his figure.

Hittite kingdom

One of the famous and widespread images of the symbol dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. In Western Asia (today the territory of Turkey), an image of a double-headed eagle was found carved on a rock. Archaeologists have come to the conclusion that this sign refers to the art of the ancient Hittites. In their mythology, an eagle with two heads is an attribute of the main god Tishub, who commanded the thunderstorm.

In the Hittite kingdom, the double-headed eagle looked in opposite directions, and in its paws it had prey - hares. Archaeologists have interpreted this sign in this way: the eagle is a king who tirelessly monitors everything that surrounds him and defeats enemies, and rodents are voracious, cowardly pests.

Ancient Greece

In the mythology of the ancient Greeks, there was a sun god - Helios. He could move across the sky in a chariot harnessed to four horses. This was a common image that was placed on walls. However, there was something else: instead of horses, the chariot was harnessed by two double-headed eagles - black and white. This image has not yet been precisely interpreted, however, it is believed that it contains secret meaning. Here you can trace an interesting chain: the eagle is the king of birds, and the Sun is the “king” of the planets. It is this bird that flies higher than others and approaches the divine luminary.

Double-headed eagle among the Persians, Arabs and Mongols

Later, the double-headed eagle (we already know the meaning of the symbol) appears in Persia. His image was used by the Shahs of the Sassanid dynasty in the first centuries of our era. They were replaced by the Arabs, whose rulers placed the presented image on coins. This emblem also belonged to the oriental ornament. It was especially popular for decoration. Even stands for the Koran were decorated with it. In the Middle Ages it was placed on the standards of the Seljuk Turks. In the Golden Horde, the eagle meant victory. Before today Coins with the image of this two-headed bird, minted during the reign of the khans Uzbek and Dzhanybek, have been preserved.

Two-headed bird of Hinduism

Big magical power endowed in Hindu mythology with the two-headed bird Gandaberunda. She is able to withstand destruction. A beautiful legend was invented about the appearance of this creature. According to him, supreme god Vishnu defeated the demon by turning into the form of a mixture of man and lion Narasimha. However, even after he won the victory and drank the blood of his enemy, anger continued to seethe within him and he remained in a terrible image. Everyone was afraid of him, and so the demigods asked Shiva for help. God turned into the eight-legged creature Sharabha, whose strength and power surpassed Narasimha. Then Vishnu reincarnated as Gandaberunda, and in these images the two deities began to fight. Since then, in Hinduism, a two-headed bird has meant colossal, destructive power.

The oldest surviving image of a bird is in India on a statue created in 1047. To show the enormous power of this creature, it was depicted carrying elephants and lions in its claws and beaks. Today this emblem is present in the state of Karnataka.

The first emblems in Europe

The spread of the double-headed eagle symbol across European lands began in the 11th-15th centuries during the Crusades. The first knights, the Templars, chose the image of a double-headed eagle as a coat of arms. Historians suggest that they borrowed this design during their travels in South Asia, in the territory Ottoman Empire. After the knights' attempts to conquer the Holy Sepulcher in the Holy Land, the symbol of the eagle with two heads became widely known. Mainly in the Byzantine and Balkan lands it was used as a pattern. They decorated fabric, vessels, and walls. Some territorial princes took it as their personal seals. The version that the eagle could be a symbol of the imperial family in Byzantium is stubbornly rejected by historians.

Ancient Roman Empire

In 330, the autocratic Emperor Constantine the Great, who moved the capital of the Holy Roman Empire to Constantinople, thereby making it the “Second Rome,” replaced the one-headed eagle with a double-headed one, which personifies not only the power of the emperor (secular power), but also spiritual power ( power of the Church). The second head balances the political component of this image. It denotes Christian morality. She reminds statesmen act not only to please yourself, but also act while thinking and caring about your people.

Holy Roman Empire

The double-headed eagle was adopted as the state emblem of the Holy (German) Roman Empire in 1434 during the reign of Emperor Sigismund. The bird was depicted black on a golden shield. Halos were placed above their heads. However, this symbol, unlike a similar symbol in the ancient Roman Empire, was not based on Christian motives. The double-headed eagle on the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire was rather a tribute to historical traditions dating back to the majestic Byzantium.

The appearance of the double-headed eagle in Russia

There are several versions of the appearance of the double-headed eagle emblem in Russia. Many historians claim that the emergence of this symbol is associated with the name The successor of the fallen Byzantium, a highly educated princess, not without political implications, which was taken care of by Pope Paul II, becomes the wife of the Russian Tsar Ivan III. This inter-dynastic marriage allowed Moscow to acquire new status- “Third Rome”, since the second - Constantinople - fell in 1453. Sophia not only brought with her the symbol of the white double-headed eagle, which was the coat of arms of her family - the Palaiologan dynasty. She and her entourage contributed to the cultural rise of Rus'. The eagle began to be depicted on the state seal in 1497. This is confirmed in its text by the work of the Russian writer N. M. Karamzin “History of the Russian State”.

However, there is another opinion about the appearance of the Russian double-headed eagle. Many experts are inclined to believe that Ivan III chose it as a state sign, pursuing the goal of equating himself with European monarchs. By asserting equal size, the Russian prince put himself on the same line as the Habsburg family, who ruled the Holy Roman Empire at that time.

Double-headed eagle under Peter I

A well-known reformer who “cut a window to Europe,” Peter I during his reign devoted a lot of time not only to foreign and domestic politics. The king also took care of state symbols. Against the backdrop of ongoing wars, he decided to create a single symbol.

Since 1700, the country's coat of arms has been transformed. The changes affecting the birds themselves are interesting. There are now crowns above her heads. In her paws is an orb and a scepter. Ten years later, in 1710, these adjustments were made to all seals. Later, on coins, as well as on any other items where eagles are depicted, imperial crowns are placed above them. These symbols mean the complete independence of Russia from other powers. No one can infringe on the state in its power rights. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the symbol acquired this form ten years before Russia was called the Russian Empire, and Peter I its emperor.

In 1721, the important and final change under Peter was the change of color. The double-headed eagle turns black. The Emperor decided to take this step, taking an example from the Holy Roman Empire. The beak, as well as the paws and attributes of the bird were depicted in gold. The background is made in the same shade. On the eagle’s chest there is a red shield surrounded by a chain of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. On the shield, Saint George on horseback slays the dragon with a spear. All these images symbolize the eternal problem of the struggle between Darkness and Light, Evil and Good.

Orel after the collapse of the Russian Empire

After Nicholas II abdicated the throne in 1917, the state sign lost its power and meaning. The new leaders and government officials faced a problem - it was necessary to create a new heraldic symbol. This issue was dealt with by a group of heraldry specialists. However, before the convening of the Constituent Assembly, they did not see the need to create a radically new symbol. They considered it acceptable to use the same double-headed eagle, however, it should have been “deprived” of its previous attributes and the image of St. George the Victorious should be removed. Thus, the seal of the provisional government was drawn by specialist I. Ya. Bilibin.

In the struggle for the title of coat of arms with a double-headed eagle, the image of a swastika, meaning well-being and eternity, “fought”. Thanks to these qualities, perhaps the Provisional Government liked this symbol.

In 1918, when the constitution of the RSFSR was adopted, a new coat of arms was chosen, and the eagle was forgotten until 1993, when it became Now depicted in gold, it contains almost the same attributes that existed during the times of the Russian Empire - the Order of St. Andrew is missing on it. It is acceptable to use this symbol without a shield.

Standard of the President of Russia

President B. N. Yeltsin in 1994 issued a decree “On the standard (flag) of the President of the Russian Federation.” The presidential flag was a three-color canvas (three identical horizontal stripes white, blue, red) and in the center was a golden coat of arms depicted on it. The standard is framed with gold fringe.

Almost every country in the world has its own coat of arms. Depending on the basis on which the state arose, its history can be either centuries old or completely absent, and the symbol of the state itself can only be a more or less modern creation that takes into account the current political situation in the country and the peculiarities of its emergence. The eagle on the coat of arms of Russia appeared a very long time ago, and although long time During the existence of the Soviet Union, such a symbol was not used, now the situation has changed, and it has returned to its rightful place.

History of the coat of arms

In fact, the eagle appeared on the coats of arms of many princes long before it became the official symbol of the state. It is officially believed that in a version that is as similar as possible to the modern one, the coat of arms first began to appear around the time of Ivan the Terrible. Before this, the same symbol was present in the Byzantine Empire, which was considered the Second Rome. The double-headed eagle on the coat of arms of Russia is intended to show that it is the direct successor of Byzantium and the Third Rome. In different periods, right up to the appearance of the large coat of arms of the Russian Empire, this symbol was constantly modified and acquired various elements. The result was the most complex coat of arms in the world, which existed until 1917. Historically, the Russian flag with a coat of arms was used in many situations, from the personal standard of the sovereign to the designation of state campaigns.

The meaning of the coat of arms

The main element is a double-headed eagle, which is intended to symbolize Russia's orientation to both the West and the East, while it is understood that the country itself is neither West nor East and combines their best qualities. The rider on a horse, killing a snake, located in the middle of the coat of arms, has a fairly ancient history. Almost all ancient princes in Rus' used similar images on their symbols. It was understood that the rider himself was the prince. Only later, already in the time of Peter the Great, it was decided that the horseman was St. George the Victorious.

An interesting fact is that on some of the coats of arms of the ancient princes images of foot soldiers were also used, and the direction in which the rider was located also changed. For example, on the coat of arms of False Dmitry the horseman is turned to the right, which is more consistent with the traditional symbolism of the West, while previously he was turned to the left. The three crowns that are located on top of the coat of arms did not appear immediately. At different times there were from one to three crowns, and only Russian Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich was the first to give an explanation - the crowns symbolized three kingdoms: Siberian, Astrakhan and Kazan. Later, crowns were recognized as symbols of the state's independence. Associated with this is the sad and interesting point. In 1917, by decree of the provisional government, the coat of arms of Russia was once again changed. The crowns, which were considered symbols of tsarism, were removed from it, but from the point of view of the science of heraldry, the state independently renounced its own independence.

The orb and scepter that the double-headed eagle holds in its paws traditionally symbolize a unified empire and state power (and these were also removed in 1917). Despite the fact that traditionally the eagle was depicted in gold on a red background, during the times of the Russian Empire, without thinking twice, they took the colors traditional not for our state, but for Germany, so the eagle turned out to be black and on a yellow background. Eagle gold symbolizes wealth, prosperity, grace and so on. The red color of the background symbolized in ancient times the color of sacrificial love, in more modern interpretation- the color of courage, bravery, love and blood that was shed during the battles for the homeland. The Russian flag with its coat of arms is also sometimes used.

Coats of arms of Russian cities

In most cases, coats of arms exist not for cities, but for constituent entities of the Russian Federation. However, there are some exceptions, for example: Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sevastopol. They bear little resemblance to the official coat of arms of Russia. All of them are considered cities of federal significance and have the right to their own coat of arms. In Moscow, this is a rider on a horse stabbing a snake, similar to the one located on state symbols, but still somewhat different. The currently existing image is as close as possible to the one that existed among Moscow and its princes back in the days of Ancient Rus'.

St. Petersburg's coat of arms is much more complex. It was approved back in 1730 and relatively recently returned to exactly the state in which it was originally adopted. The prototype of this symbol was the coat of arms of the Vatican. The scepter with the state eagle and crown symbolize that this city for a long time was the capital of the Russian Empire. Two crossed anchors indicate that St. Petersburg is both a sea and river port, and the red background symbolizes the blood shed during the war with Sweden.

USSR coat of arms

After the emergence of the USSR, the standard version of the coat of arms with a double-headed eagle was abandoned, and from 1918 to 1993 a different symbol was used, which was gradually refined and modified. At the same time, many coats of arms of Russian cities were significantly altered or even completely changed. The main colors are red and gold, traditions in this regard were respected, but everything else changed dramatically. In the center, against the background of the sun's rays, there is a crossed hammer and sickle, and at the top there is a red star (it was not in the first variations of the coat of arms). On the sides there are ears of wheat, and below the symbol on a red background in black letters it says “Workers of all countries, unite!” In this version, the coat of arms of Russia, or rather the Soviet Union, was used for a very long time, right up to its collapse, and is still used in one form or another by various communist parties.

Modern coat of arms of the Russian Federation

In the version in which the coat of arms of Russia currently exists, it was adopted in 1993. Symbolism and general meaning remained approximately the same as long before the emergence of the USSR, the only thing being that the blood shed during the wars was added to the interpretation of the color red.

Results

In general, the coat of arms of Russia has a very long history, and specific reasons for using just such symbolism were invented rather based on the fact of use. The reasons why they were chosen by a certain ancient ruler are unlikely to ever be established for certain.

Coat of arms - what is it? Symbol meaning

Every country has state symbols, as it has important, allows you to express the uniqueness, originality and autonomy of a certain territory. Today we will talk about such an emblem as a coat of arms. Is it an unnecessary attribute, a relic of the past, or something that should exist both now and in the future? What does the Russian coat of arms mean? Read about all this, and more, in this material.

The meaning of the word "coat of arms": etymology and interpretation

This lexical unit denotes a distinctive conventional emblem, which is assigned to a state, noble family or city.

In Russian, the word appeared from German, where “erbe” means “inheritance.” The phenomenon itself, which is hidden behind this name, actually originated a very long time ago. Thus, the first coats of arms can also be recognized as totems of primitive communities and tribes, for example in the form of sculptures of dolphins, figurines of turtles, snakes, bears, etc., depending on where the group existed, what features distinguished it from other groups, under the influence of which formed its traditions and values.

The signs of water, the Sun, and the Moon were of particular importance. Thus, it becomes obvious that the coat of arms is not a whim of the people or the authorities, but a symbolic image that accumulates the whole history of the formation of the country.

Where to look for the origins of the national coat of arms?

The coat of arms is a symbol of the unity of the state. Interesting fact is that the double-headed eagle, familiar today and dear to Russian people, was borrowed from Byzantine culture, where it, in turn, was preserved as the heritage of the Hittite state. At one time it was powerful, occupied the territories of Asia Minor, the Balkans and extended its sphere of influence to the exit from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea. At the same time, the double-headed eagle was used by the Shahs of Persia from the Sassanid dynasty. Ancient Rome also used the image of a free bird with two heads: in particular, it was loved by generals. However, later the double-headed eagle began to be identified exclusively with the power of the emperor and his supremacy.

A coat of arms is an element that at all times determined the uniqueness of what it belonged to and what it personified. The emergence of the double-headed eagle as a symbolic image is often associated with the story of the great Roman commander Julius Caesar, who once, upon entering the city, saw an eagle circling in the heights of the sky, killing two kites. The emperor considered this a good omen and a good sign and ordered the addition of a second head to the already existing symbol in Rome, the eagle.

The double-headed eagle becomes a sign of Russia

It should immediately be noted that initially on the territory of the Russian state the concept and phenomenon of coats of arms did not exist at all. The attributes themselves, close in form to modern ones, appeared only in medieval Europe, namely in France and England. Here knighthood acquired its most active scope, whose followers depicted distinctive emblems on their own shields and banners, which over time were assigned to an entire clan and passed on from generation to generation. If we talk about Rus', then for a long time images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the holy apostles, and the Orthodox cross were used as attributes. Later, however, they were replaced by the Grand Duke's seal.

The double-headed eagle (the meaning of the symbol on the coat of arms of Russia will be reflected further) and its appearance in Rus' are associated with the name and biography of the Grand Duke of Moscow Ivan III, who in the winter of 1472 took Princess Sophia from the Byzantine Paleologus dynasty as his wife. It was to this family that the double-headed eagle was assigned as a coat of arms, which Ivan III, as a sign of respect, placed on his seal next to the symbol of Moscow, St. George the Victorious, piercing a serpent with a spear. For some period of time the two images coexisted on equal rights, however, a century later, the double-headed eagle eventually became the image of the all-Russian coat of arms, and St. George the Victorious became the coat of arms of Moscow.

Changes to the Russian coat of arms

However, has it remained unchanged throughout the history of the country? The answer is clear: no. Gradually, the regalia traditional for monarchical imperial power - an orb and a scepter - appeared in the eagle's claws on the coat of arms. Further, the son of Ivan IV the Terrible, Fyodor Ivanovich, nicknamed “Blessed” (reigned for a short period from 1584 to 1587), brought new changes and his own vision to the image: he placed an Orthodox cross between the heads of a double-headed eagle, crowned with crowns. This innovation was associated with the establishment of the patriarchate and church independence of the state in 1589.

Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov, who ruled in the first half of the 17th century, approved the appearance on the coat of arms, in the center of the eagle’s body, on its chest, of the image of St. George the Victorious already mentioned above. In addition, the emblem began to depict an additional third crown, placed between the heads of the bird.

Paul I, who occupied the throne from 1796 to 1801 and was the patron of the Order of Malta, added the image of the Maltese cross and crown to the state coat of arms.

The meaning of the symbol of the coat of arms of the Russian Empire, as well as its general style, underwent changes during the reign of Alexander I (reigned from 1801 to 1825). He excluded two of the existing three crowns, as well as the Maltese symbols introduced by his predecessor. After the victory over the French army, whose leader was Napoleon Bonaparte, the coat of arms began to be depicted with its wings spread out and lowered down (before that they were raised). The scepter and orb in the paws were replaced by a torch, wreath and lightning, which marked a gradual change in human consciousness and attitude towards power.

However, the most key of all previous heraldic armorial reforms was carried out during the reign of Alexander II. In 1855-1857 it was headed by Baron Bernhard Koehne, who, together with members of the specially established Arms Department, changed the general design of the Eagle and St. George. In addition, standards for the use of the coat of arms as symbols were issued, which, together with the newly transformed type of emblem, existed until the revolutionary year of 1917.

During the existence of the USSR, the double-headed eagle sank into oblivion - it was replaced by symbols of the power of the proletariat, the hammer and sickle. The image of the bird returned only in 1993: the design of a double-headed eagle was made based on the coat of arms of the Russian Empire and was officially legalized by presidential decree.

What does it represent now?

The Russian coat of arms, the description and meaning of which should be familiar to every concerned citizen, has thus traveled a long path full of changes in its history. Today, this ancient symbol, previously identified with the sun, represents unity, power, and in the case of Russia, the unification of Europe and Asia, West and East (after all, the eagle’s heads are directed in opposite directions), as well as revival.

State symbols of Russia: history of creation and meaning

Russia, like any other country, has three official symbols: the flag, the coat of arms and the anthem. All of them were formed as a result of many historical somersaults. The evolution of Russian state symbols is controversial and eventful. Often new solutions were radically opposed to old ones. In general, the development of domestic heraldry can be divided into three stages: princely (royal), Soviet and modern.

Flag of Russia

Modern state symbols of Russia begin with the flag. The rectangular white-blue-red banner is familiar to every resident of the country. It was approved relatively recently: in 1993. A significant event occurred on the eve of the adoption of the constitution of the new state. Moreover, during its existence, democratic Russia had two flags. The first option was used in 1991–1993. There are two main differences between the two versions of the familiar composition. Flag 1991–1993 had proportions of 2:1 (ratio of length and width) and was characterized as white-azure-red, and its successor received proportions of 2:3 and is still described in law as white-blue-red.

Today's state symbols of Russia were not formed out of nowhere. For example, citizens began to use the tricolor flag at rallies that swept the RSFSR in the late 1980s and early 1990s. But even this approximate date cannot be called the origin of the appearance of an important national symbol.

Peter's cloth

The tricolor flag was first flown back in 1693. The banner fluttered on the ship of Peter I. In addition to the three stripes, there was a double-headed eagle on it. Thus, for the first time, not only was the white-blue-red palette used, but also Russian state symbols were encountered. The flag of Peter I has survived to this day. Now it is kept in the Central Naval Museum. This place was not chosen by chance. In his letters, the autocrat called the flag he introduced “sea.” Indeed, from that moment on, the three-color composition turned out to be closely associated with the fleet.

The same Pyotr Alekseevich became the creator of St. Andrew's flag. The oblique cross, which is a reference to the crucifixion of St. Andrew the First-Called, is a symbol of the already modern fleet. This is how the military and state symbols of Russia are intricately intertwined in our country. As for the white-blue-red flag, during the imperial era it acquired a serious competitor.

Black, yellow and white colors

The first information about black-yellow-white banners dates back to the era of Anna Ioannovna (1730). A surge of interest in such a flag occurred after Patriotic War against Napoleon, when they began to publicly hang him on holidays.

Under Nicholas I, this palette became popular not only in the army, but also among civilians. The black-yellow-white flag finally received its official status in 1858. Tsar Alexander II issued a Decree according to which this flag was equated to the imperial coat of arms, and since then it has actually been used as a national flag. Thus, one more sign was added to the state symbols of Russia.

Imperial flag

Decree of 1858 imperial flag began to be used everywhere: at official demonstrations, celebrations, parades, near government buildings. The black color was a reference to the coat of arms' black double-headed eagle. Yellow had roots dating back to Byzantine heraldry. White color was considered the color of St. George the Victorious, eternity and purity.

By decision of a special heraldic meeting in 1896, the former Peter the Great flag was recognized as Russian and national. The coronation of Nicholas II, which took place a few months later, was celebrated in white, blue and red colors. However, yellow-black banners continued to be popular among the people (for example, among the Black Hundreds). Today, the 19th century flag is primarily associated with Russian nationalists and the Romanov era.

All 3 state symbols of Russia have survived Soviet era, during which previous ideas were completely swept aside and consigned to oblivion. After 1917, both Russian flags were effectively banned. The Civil War gave them a new meaning: now these colors were associated with white and simply the anti-Soviet movement.

State symbols of Russia were used by many opponents of the USSR, who wanted to emphasize their national identity, despite class ideology. During the Great Patriotic War, the white-blue-red flag was used by the Vlasovites (and the St. Andrew's flag by some other collaborators). One way or another, when the moment of collapse of the USSR came, Russians again remembered Peter’s cloth. The days of the August Putsch were fateful in this sense. In August 1991, opponents of the Emergency Committee massively used white, blue and red colors. After the defeat of the putschists, this combination was adopted at the federal level.

In the Soviet Union in 1924-1991. The red flag with the hammer and sickle was considered official. The RSFSR simultaneously had its own identification mark. In 1918-1954. it was a red flag with the inscription "RSFSR". Then the letters disappeared. In 1954-1991. a red banner was used with a hammer, sickle, star and a blue stripe along the left edge.

Double headed eagle

Without the coat of arms, the history of state and military symbols of Russia would be incomplete. His modern version approved in 1993. The basis of the composition is a double-headed eagle. The shield depicts St. George the Victorious slaying a snake (dragon) with a spear. The other two required attributes are an orb and a scepter. The official author of the modern coat of arms is People's Artist of the Russian Federation Evgeny Ukhnalev. In his drawing, he summarized ideas that were embodied in various eras of the country's history.

Symbols state power Russia often contradicted each other. So, in 1992-1993. The official coat of arms was an image of a hammer and sickle in a wreath of ears. During this short period, both this sign and the one that was used in the RSFSR were used in practice.

Princely seals

The coat of arms, like other state and military symbols of Russia, has deep historical roots. They go back to the era of the birth of princely power. Experts attribute medieval images used on seals to the first coats of arms. For this purpose, the Moscow princes turned to the silhouettes of their Christian intercessors.

In 1497, a double-headed eagle appeared in Russian heraldry. He was the first to use it in his printing Grand Duke Ivan III. He understood how important state symbols of Russia are. The history of the country was closely connected with Orthodox Byzantium. It was from the Greek emperors that Ivan III borrowed the mythical bird. With this gesture, he emphasized that Russia is the successor of Byzantium, which had recently sunk into oblivion.

Coat of arms of the Russian Empire

In the Russian Empire, the coat of arms was never static. It changed many times and gradually became more and more complex. The Romanov coat of arms embodied many of the features that distinguished the previous state symbols of Russia. The history of the “maturation” of this sign is connected with the territorial acquisitions of the empire. Over time, small shields were added to the design of the black double-headed eagle, personifying the annexed kingdoms: Kazan, Astrakhan, Poland, etc.

The complexity of the composition of the coat of arms led to the approval in 1882 of three versions of this state symbol: Small, Medium and Large. The then eagle, like the modern one, received a scepter and an orb. Other notable features were: St. George the Victorious, the helmet of Alexander Nevsky, images of the Archangels Gabriel and Michael. The drawing was crowned with a scarlet signature “God is with us!” In 1992, the Constitutional Commission approved the design of the imperial black eagle as the coat of arms of the Russian Federation. The idea was not implemented due to a failed vote in the Supreme Council.

Hammer, sickle and star

The Bolsheviks, who came to power after the revolution, approved the Soviet coat of arms in 1923. Its general appearance did not change until the collapse of the USSR. The only innovations were the addition of new red ribbons, on which, according to the number of languages ​​of the union republics, the call “Workers of all countries, unite!” was written. In 1923 there were 6 of them, since 1956 there were already 15. Before the Karelo-Finnish SSR joined the RSFSR there were even 16 ribbons.

The basis of the coat of arms was the image of a hammer and sickle in the rays of the sun and against the background globe. The edges of the composition were framed by ears of corn, around which ribbons with the cherished slogan curled. The central lower one received an inscription in Russian. The top of the coat of arms was crowned five-pointed star. The image had its own ideological meaning, like other state symbols of Russia. The meaning of the drawing was known to all citizens of the country - Soviet Union was driving force associations of the proletariat and peasants around the world.

Anthem of the Russian Federation

The official state symbols of Russia, their meaning, history of creation and other aspects of them are studied by the science of heraldry. However, in addition to the images of the flag and coat of arms, there is also an anthem. It is impossible to imagine any state without it. The modern anthem of Russia is the heir to the Soviet anthem. It was approved in 2000. This is the “youngest” state symbol of Russia.

The author of the anthem's music is a composer and National artist USSR Alexander Alexandrov. The melody was written by him in 1939. 60 years later, State Duma deputies voted for it, adopting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bill on a new national anthem.

There was some confusion when determining the text. Poems for the Soviet anthem were written by the poet Sergei Mikhalkov. In the end, a specially created commission adopted his new version of the text. At the same time, applications from all citizens of the country were considered.

“God save the Tsar!”

The first national anthem of Russia in the generally accepted sense of the word was the song “God Save the Tsar!” It was used from 1833–1917. The initiator of the appearance of the imperial anthem was Nicholas I. In his travels around Europe, he constantly found himself in an awkward situation: orchestras of hospitable countries performed only their own melodies. Russia could not boast of its “musical face”. The autocrat ordered to correct the unsightly situation.

The music for the imperial anthem was written by composer and conductor Alexei Lvov. The author of the text was the poet Vasily Zhukovsky. With the advent of Soviet power, the imperial anthem was erased for a long time not only from everyday life, but also from the memory of many millions of people. For the first time after a long break, “God Save the Tsar!” began playing in 1958 in the feature film "Quiet Don".

"Internationale" and the USSR anthem

Until 1943, the Soviet government used the international and proletarian “International” as its anthem. The revolution was carried out to this melody, and the Red Army soldiers went into battle to this tune during the Civil War. The original text was written by the French anarchist Eugene Potier. The work appeared in 1871 during the fateful days of the socialist movement, when the Paris Commune collapsed.

17 years later, the Flemish Pierre Degeyter composed music to Potier's text. The result was the classic "Internationale". The text of the anthem was translated into Russian by Arkady Kots. The fruit of his work was published in 1902. "The Internationale" was used as the Soviet anthem at a time when the Bolsheviks were still dreaming of world revolution. This was the era of the Comintern and the creation of communist cells in foreign countries.

With the onset of the Great Patriotic War, Stalin decided to change his ideological concept. He no longer wanted a world revolution, but he was going to build a new, strictly centralized empire, surrounded by many satellites. Changed realities required a different anthem. In 1943, “International” gave way to a new melody (Alexandrov) and text (Mikhalkov).

"Patriotic Song"

In 1990-2000 The “Patriotic Song”, written by composer Mikhail Glinka back in 1833, remained in the status of the Russian anthem. It is paradoxical that during his stay in official status the melody never acquired a generally accepted text. Because of this, the anthem was sung without words. The lack of a clear text was one of the reasons for replacing Glinka’s melody with Alexandrov’s melody.

What is the coat of arms of Russia and what do the colors of the Russian flag mean?

Vjacheslav goryainov

On December 25, 2000, the Federal Law approved a new Regulation on the State Emblem of the Russian Federation.

Article 1. The State Emblem of the Russian Federation is the official state symbol of the Russian Federation.

The state emblem of the Russian Federation is quadrangular, with rounded lower corners, red pointed at the tip heraldic shield with a golden double-headed eagle raising its spread 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 snake, overturned and trampled by the horse.

Article 2. 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 the attributes listed in Article 1), as well as in a single-color version.

The three crowns represent the sovereignty of both the entire Russian Federation and its parts, the subjects of the federation. The scepter and orb, which the double-headed eagle holds in its paws, symbolize state power and a unified state.

To flowers Russian flag many symbolic meanings are attributed. Currently, there is no official interpretation of the colors of the State Flag of the Russian Federation.

Since ancient times in Rus', white, blue and red colors have meant:

White color - nobility and frankness;
blue color - fidelity, honesty, impeccability and chastity;
red color - courage, boldness, generosity and love.

It is believed that this is how the symbolism of the white-blue-red “Flag of the Tsar of Moscow” should be deciphered.

Another common interpretation was to correlate the colors of the flag with the historical regions of the Russian Empire: White ( White color), Small (blue) and Great Rus'(Red color) . This explanation came from full title tsars and emperors of Russia: “All Great, and Little and White Russia,” symbolizing the unity of Great Russians, Little Russians and Belarusians.

In addition, in pre-revolutionary times there was a different interpretation of the meanings of these colors, for example:

White is the color of freedom;
blue is the color of the Virgin Mary;
red color is a symbol of sovereignty.

There was also an interpretation of these colors (similar to the symbolism of the dynastic flag of the Romanovs) as the trinity of the Orthodox Church, royal power and people, where:

White color is a symbol Orthodox faith;
blue color is a symbol of royal power;
red color is a symbol of the Russian people;

This trinity of faith, king and people was reflected in the public consciousness: in the call “For the Faith, the Tsar and the Fatherland! " and in the political principle "autocracy, Orthodoxy, nationality."

In addition, it is often suggested that the three colors of the flag symbolize “Faith, Hope, Love.”

The Russian coat of arms is not just a drawing. It has a rich history, and each element carries a hidden meaning.

The official symbol of any country is its coat of arms. Any coat of arms, as a rule, has its own long and interesting history. Each symbol of the coat of arms has a strictly defined meaning. The coat of arms may depict the main activity of the country, an important historical event, an animal or bird. In general, anything that is important for the people and the state.

In addition to the coat of arms, any country also has a flag and anthem. This article is devoted to the coat of arms of the Russian Federation. But if you are interested in learning, for example, about the flag of the Russian Federation, we recommend that you contact.

What the State Emblem of the Russian Federation looks like: photo

So, the state emblem of the Russian Federation is an image of a double-headed eagle, on each of the heads there is one small royal crown. And the crown bigger size crowns both heads. The eagle has a scepter in one paw and an orb in the other. These are symbols of power since the times of Tsarist Russia. On the eagle's chest is the coat of arms of the capital of Russia - the city of Moscow. On it, St. George the Victorious kills a snake with a spear.

Now the coat of arms of the Russian Federation looks like this

It is noteworthy that each city in the Russian Federation has its own coat of arms, which is chosen through popular vote!

It is worth saying that the coat of arms of the Russian Federation was not always exactly the same as we know it now. Over the past 100-plus years, several revolutions have occurred in Russia. The government changed, the name of the country changed, and the coat of arms and flag changed accordingly. The modern coat of arms has only existed since 1993. In 2000, the description of the coat of arms changed, but the coat of arms itself remained the same.

The coat of arms of the RSFSR looked like this

The photo below shows how the coat of arms of the RSFSR differed from the coat of arms of the USSR.

The crest of the Russian Empire, approved in 1882, is more reminiscent of a whole composition. On the left is Archangel Michael, on the right is Archangel Gabriel. The small coat of arms inside, crowned with the coats of arms of the principalities, is the progenitor of the modern Russian coat of arms, only in black.

Complete coat of arms of the Russian Empire

Small coat of arms of the Russian Empire

And before Russia became an empire, the Russian state had its own flag. It is very similar to the small coat of arms of the Russian Empire, but not as well detailed.

Depending on the ruler and the general situation in the country, the coat of arms changed. There were at least three versions of the Russian coat of arms before 1882. But in general they all represent a reworking of the same image.

option 2

History of the Russian coat of arms: description for children

The history of the coat of arms of Russia begins in the Middle Ages. In Rus' there was never a coat of arms; instead, images of saints and an Orthodox cross were used.

This is interesting! The image of an eagle on coats of arms was relevant in Ancient Rome, and before him in the ancient Hittite kingdom. The eagle was considered a symbol of the highest power.

So how did the double-headed eagle migrate to the coat of arms of the Russian state? There is an opinion that the symbol came from Byzantium, but there is speculation that perhaps the image of an eagle was borrowed from European states.

Many countries have a coat of arms with an eagle in different variations. An example in the photo below.

This is the coat of arms used in Armenia; similar coats of arms are approved in many countries

The coat of arms was approved only in the 16th century. Exact date no one will name it now. The coat of arms changed with each new ruler. Elements were added or removed by the following rulers:

• 1584 1587 - Fyodor Ivanovich “Blessed” (son of Ivan IX the Terrible) - an Orthodox cross appeared between the eagle crowns
• 1613 - 1645 - Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov - image on the chest of an eagle of the Moscow coat of arms, third crown
• 1791 - 1801 - Paul the First - image of the cross and crown of the Order of Malta
• 1801 - 1825 - Alexander the First - abolition of Maltese symbols and the third crown, instead of a scepter and orb - a wreath, torch, lightning
• 1855 - 1857 - Alexander the Second - redrawing of the double-headed eagle (rework), approval of three crowns, an orb, a scepter, in the center - a rider in armor killing a snake.

Without changes, the coat of arms of the Russian Empire was valid until 1917. After the coup new government approved a simpler, “proletarian” coat of arms - the hammer and sickle.

This is what the USSR coat of arms looked like on coins

And after the collapse of the USSR and the reorganization of the USSR into the RSFSR, the coat of arms was slightly redesigned (the photo is already in the article). Then the coat of arms was returned, reminiscent of the coat of arms of the Russian Empire, but in a different color scheme. This was in 1993.

What is depicted on the coat of arms of the Russian Federation: description and meaning of the symbolism of each element of the coat of arms of the Russian Federation

Each component of the coat of arms carries a specific meaning:

• heraldic shield (that same red background) is the main element of the coat of arms of any state
• double-headed eagle - a symbol of supreme power and bilateral policy of the Russian state
• crowns - high dignity, state sovereignty, national wealth
• scepter and orb - symbols of power
• a rider on a horse killing a snake - according to one version, this is St. George the Victorious, according to another, Tsar Ivan III. Precise definition it is difficult to give, perhaps this is an appeal to the memory of ancestors, the embodiment of a legend, or simply an image made to order of Ivan III.

How many colors are on the coat of arms of the Russian Federation?

There are several colors on the Russian coat of arms. Each color has a special meaning. For example:

• red is the color of courage, courage, shed blood.
• golden - wealth
• blue - sky, freedom
• white - purity
• black (snake) - symbol of evil

So it turns out that three of the five colors are found both on the coat of arms of Russia and on the flag. For the country, the meaning of these flowers has always been very important, because courage, purity and freedom have always been the driving force in the soul of the Russian person.

Video: Coat of Arms of Russia (documentary)

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. 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. It was also an 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 pointed to 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, the wealth of the country, as well as the 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 of state symbols. If you are interested in the history of not only your country, but your family, then it’s worth learning about it.

Our specialists have access to rare archival documents, which allows:

• Check the authenticity of the data.
• Systematize the information received.
• Make a family tree.
• Help trace your family tree.

If you want to find out who your ancestors were, what they did and how they lived, contact “ Russian House Genealogies".

Seal of Ivan III the Great

Each state has its own symbols that reflect its internal structure: power, territory, natural features and other priorities. One of the symbols of the state is the coat of arms.

The coat of arms of each country has its own history of creation. There are special rules for drawing up a coat of arms; this is done by the special historical discipline of HERALDICS, which developed back in the Middle Ages.

The history of the coat of arms of the Russian Empire is quite interesting and unique.

Officially, Russian heraldry begins with the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov (XVII century). But the forerunner of the coat of arms were the personal seals of the Russian tsars, so the primary sources of the Russian coat of arms should be sought in the 15th century, during the reign of Ivan III the Great. Initially, the personal seal of Ivan III depicted St. George the Victorious, striking a serpent with a spear - a symbol of Moscow and the Moscow Principality. Double headed eagle was adopted on the state seal after the wedding in 1472 of Ivan III the Great with Sophia (Zoe) Paleologus, the niece of the last emperor of Byzantium, Constantine Paleologus. It symbolized the transfer of the legacy of the fallen Byzantium. But before Peter I, the Russian coat of arms was not subject to heraldic rules; Russian heraldry developed precisely during his reign.

History of the coat of arms double-headed eagle

The eagle in the coat of arms dates back to Byzantium. Later he appeared on the coat of arms of Rus'. The image of an eagle is used in the coats of arms of many countries of the world: Austria, Germany, Iraq, Spain, Mexico, Poland, Syria, and the USA. But the double-headed eagle is present only on the coats of arms of Albania and Serbia. The Russian double-headed eagle has undergone many changes since its appearance and emergence as an element of the state emblem. Let's look at these stages.
As mentioned above, coats of arms appeared in Russia a long time ago, but these were only drawings on the seals of the kings, they did not obey heraldic rules. Due to the lack of knighthood in Rus', coats of arms were not very common.
Until the 16th century, Russia was a divided state, so there could be no talk of a state emblem of Russia. But under Ivan III (1462-
1505) his seal acted as a coat of arms. On its front side there is a picture of a horseman piercing a serpent with a spear, and on the back side there is a double-headed eagle.
The first known images of a double-headed eagle date back to the 13th century BC. - This is a rock carving of a double-headed eagle grabbing two birds with one stone. This was the coat of arms of the Hittite kings.
The double-headed eagle was a symbol of the Median kingdom - an ancient power in the territory of Western Asia under the Median king Cyaxares (625-585 BC). The double-headed eagle then appeared on the emblems of Rome under Constantine the Great. After the founding of the new capital, Constantinople, in 330, the double-headed eagle became the state emblem of the Roman Empire.
After the adoption of Christianity from Byzantium, Rus' began to experience the strong influence of Byzantine culture and Byzantine ideas. Along with Christianity, new political orders and relations began to penetrate into Rus'. This influence especially intensified after the marriage of Sophia Paleolog and Ivan III. This marriage had important consequences for the monarchical power in Moscow. As a spouse, the Grand Duke of Moscow becomes the successor of the Byzantine emperor, who was considered the head of the entire Orthodox East. In relations with small neighboring lands, he already bears the title of Tsar of All Rus'. Another title, "autocrat", is a translation of the Byzantine imperial title autocrator; initially it meant the independence of the sovereign, but Ivan the Terrible gave it the meaning of the absolute, unlimited power of the monarch.
Since the end of the 15th century, the Byzantine coat of arms - a double-headed eagle - appears on the seals of the Moscow sovereign; it is combined with the former Moscow coat of arms - the image of St. George the Victorious. Thus, Rus' confirmed the continuity from Byzantium.

From IvanIII before PeterI

Great state seal of Tsar Ivan IV Vasilyevich (the Terrible)

The development of the Russian coat of arms is inextricably linked with the history of Rus'. The eagle on the seals of John III was depicted with a closed beak and looked more like an eaglet. Russia at that time was still an eaglet, a young state. During the reign of Vasily III Ioannovich (1505-1533), the double-headed eagle is depicted with open beaks, from which tongues protrude. At this time, Russia was strengthening its position: the monk Philotheus sent a message to Vasily III with his theory that “Moscow is the Third Rome.”

During the reign of John IV Vasilyevich (1533-1584), Rus' gained victories over the Astrakhan and Kazan kingdoms and annexed Siberia. The power of the Russian state is also reflected in its coat of arms: the double-headed eagle on the state seal is crowned with a single crown with an eight-pointed Orthodox cross above it. Front side seal: on the chest of the eagle there is a carved German shield with a unicorn - the personal sign of the king. All symbols in the personal symbolism of John IV are taken from the Psalter. Reverse side of the seal: on the eagle’s chest is a shield with the image of St. George the Victorious.

On February 21, 1613, the Zemsky Sobor elected Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov to the throne. His election put an end to the unrest that took place in the period after the death of Ivan the Terrible. The eagle on the coat of arms of this period spreads its wings, which means new era in the history of Russia, which at this time was becoming a unified and fairly strong state. This circumstance is immediately reflected in the coat of arms: above the eagle, instead of an eight-pointed cross, a third crown appears. The interpretation of this change is different: a symbol of the Holy Trinity or a symbol of the unity of Great Russians, Little Russians and Belarusians. There is also a third interpretation: the conquered Kazan, Astrakhan and Siberian kingdoms.
Alexey Mikhailovich Romanov (1645-1676) ends the Russian-Polish conflict with the conclusion of the Truce of Andrusovo with Poland (1667). The Russian state becomes equal in rights with other European states. During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, the eagle received symbols of power: scepter And power.

Great state seal of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich

At the request of the tsar, the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I sent his king of arms Lavrentiy Khurelevich to Moscow, who in 1673 wrote an essay “On the genealogy of the Russian great princes and sovereigns, showing the existing, through marriages, affinity between Russia and eight European powers, that is Caesar of Rome, the kings of England, Denmark, Spain, Poland, Portugal and Sweden, and with the image of these royal coats of arms, and in the middle of them the Grand Duke St. Vladimir, at the end of the portrait of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.” This work marked the beginning of the development of Russian heraldry. The eagle’s wings are raised up and fully open (a symbol of the complete establishment of Russia as a powerful state; its heads are crowned with three royal crowns; on its chest there is a shield with the Moscow coat of arms; in its paws there is a scepter and an orb.

Lavrenty Khurelevich in 1667 was the first to give an official description of the Russian coat of arms: “The double-headed eagle is the sovereign coat of arms of the Great Sovereign, Tsar and Grand Duke Alexei Mikhailovich of All Great and Lesser and White Russia, the autocrat, His Royal Majesty of the Russian Empire, on which three crowns are depicted, signifying the three great Kazan, Astrakhan, Siberian glorious kingdoms, submitting to the God-protected and highest power of His Royal Majesty, the Most Gracious Sovereign... on the Persians is the image of the heir; in the box there is a scepter and an apple, and they reveal the most merciful Sovereign, His Royal Majesty the Autocrat and Possessor.”

From Peter I to Alexander II

Coat of arms of Peter I

Peter I ascended the Russian throne in 1682. During his reign, the Russian Empire became an equal among the leading powers of Europe.
Under him, according to heraldic rules, the coat of arms began to be depicted as black (before that it was depicted as gold). The eagle has become not only a decoration of state papers, but also a symbol of strength and power.
In 1721, Peter I accepted the imperial title, and imperial crowns began to be depicted on coats of arms instead of royal crowns. In 1722, he established the office of the King of Arms and the position of King of Arms.
The state emblem under Peter I underwent other changes: in addition to changing the color of the eagle, shields with coats of arms were placed on its wings
Great Duchies and Kingdoms. On the right wing there were shields with the coats of arms (from top to bottom): Kyiv, Novgorod, Astrakhan; on the left wing: Vladimir, Siberian, Kazan. It was under Peter I that a complex of attributes of the coat of arms eagle emerged.
And after Russia entered the “expanses of Siberia and Far East“The double-headed eagle began to symbolize the inseparability of European and Asian Russia under one imperial crown, since one crowned head looks to the west, the other to the east.
The era after Peter I is known as the era of palace coups. In the 30s of the 18th century. the leadership of the state was dominated by immigrants from Germany, which did not contribute to the strengthening of the country. In 1736, Empress Anna Ioannovna invited a Swiss by birth, the Swedish engraver I. K. Gedlinger, who engraved the State Seal by 1740, with minor changes used until 1856

Before late XVIII V. There were no special changes in the design of the coat of arms, but during the times of Elizabeth Petrovna and Catherine the Great, the eagle looked more like an eagle.

Coat of arms of Catherine I

Paul I

Coat of arms of Russia with the Maltese cross

Having become emperor, Paul I immediately tried to modify the Russian coat of arms. By decree of April 5, 1797, the double-headed eagle became an integral part of the coat of arms of the imperial family. But since Paul I was the Master of the Order of Malta, this could not but be reflected in the state emblem. In 1799, Emperor Paul I issued a decree on the image of a double-headed eagle with a Maltese cross on the chest. The cross was placed on the eagle’s chest under the Moscow coat of arms (“the indigenous coat of arms of Russia”). The emperor is also making an attempt to develop and introduce a complete coat of arms of the Russian Empire. At the upper end of this cross was placed the crown of the Grand Master.
In 1800, he proposed a complex coat of arms, on which forty-three coats of arms were placed in a multi-field shield and on nine small shields. However, they did not have time to adopt this coat of arms before Paul’s death.
Paul I was also the founder of the Great Russian Coat of Arms. The Manifesto of December 16, 1800 gives its full description. The large Russian coat of arms was supposed to symbolize the internal unity and power of Russia. However, Paul I's project was not implemented.
Alexander I, having become emperor in 1801, abolished the Maltese cross on the state emblem. But under Alexander I, on the coat of arms, the eagle’s wings are spread wide to the side, and the feathers are lowered down. One head is more inclined than the other. Instead of a scepter and an orb, new attributes appear in the eagle’s paws: a torch, peruns (thunder arrows), a laurel wreath (sometimes a branch), a lictor’s bun intertwined with ribbons.

Nicholas I

Coat of arms of Nicholas I

The reign of Nicholas I (1825-1855) was emphatically firm and decisive (suppression of the Decembrist uprising, limitation of the status of Poland). Under him, from 1830, the armorial eagle began to be depicted with sharply raised wings (this remained so until 1917). In 1829, Nicholas I was crowned the Kingdom of Poland, therefore, since 1832, the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Poland has been included in the Russian coat of arms.
At the end of the reign of Nicholas I, the manager of the heraldry department, Baron B.V. Kene, tried to give the coat of arms the features of Western European heraldry: the image of the eagle should have become more strict. The coat of arms of Moscow was to be depicted in a French shield; the rider was to be turned, according to heraldic rules, to the left of the viewer. But in 1855, Nicholas I died, and Quesne’s projects were implemented only under Alexander II.

Large, Middle and Small coats of arms of the Russian Empire

Large state emblem of the Russian Empire 1857

The large state emblem of the Russian Empire was introduced in 1857 by decree of Emperor Alexander II (this was the idea of ​​Emperor Paul I).
The large coat of arms of Russia is a symbol of the unity and power of Russia. Around the double-headed eagle are the coats of arms of the territories that are part of the Russian state. In the center of the Great State Emblem is a French shield with a golden field on which a double-headed eagle is depicted. The eagle itself is black, crowned with three imperial crowns, which are connected by a blue ribbon: two small ones crown the head, the large one is located between the heads and rises above them; in the eagle’s paws are a scepter and an orb; on the chest is depicted “the coat of arms of Moscow: in a scarlet shield with gold edges, the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious in silver armor and an azure cap on a silver horse.” The shield, which depicts an eagle, is topped with the helmet of the Holy Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky, around the main shield is a chain and the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called. On the sides of the shield there are shield holders: on the right side (to the left of the viewer) is the Holy Archangel Michael, on the left is the Archangel Gabriel. The central part is under the shadow of the large imperial crown and the state banner above it.
To the left and right of the state banner, on the same horizontal line with it, are depicted six shields with the connected coats of arms of the principalities and volosts - three to the right and three to the left of the banner, almost creating a semicircle. Nine shields, crowned with crowns with the coats of arms of the Grand Duchies and Kingdoms and the coat of arms of His Imperial Majesty, are a continuation and most of the circle that the united coats of arms of the principalities and volosts began. Coats of arms counterclockwise: the Astrakhan Kingdom, the Siberian Kingdom, the Family Coat of Arms of His Imperial Majesty, the united coats of arms of the Grand Duchies, the coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Finland, the coat of arms of Chersonis-Tauride, the coat of arms of the Polish Kingdom, the coat of arms of the Kazan Kingdom.
The top six shields from left to right: combined coats of arms of the principalities and regions of the Great Russian, combined coats of arms of the principalities and regions of the South-Western, combined coats of arms of the Baltic regions.
At the same time, the Middle and Small state emblems were adopted.
The middle state coat of arms was the same as the Great one, but without state banners and six coats of arms above the canopy; Small - the same as the Middle one, but without a canopy, images of saints and the family coat of arms of His Imperial Majesty.
Adopted by decree of Alexander III on November 3, 1882, the Great State Emblem differed from that adopted in 1857 in that it added a shield with the coat of arms of Turkestan (became part of Russia in 1867), combined the coats of arms of the principalities of Lithuania and Belarusian.
The large state emblem is framed by laurel and oak branches - a symbol of glory, honor, merit (laurel branches), valor, courage (oak branches).
The Great State Emblem reflects “the triune essence of the Russian idea: For the Faith, the Tsar and the Fatherland.” Faith is expressed in the symbols of Russian Orthodoxy: many crosses, Saint Archangel Michael and Saint Archangel Gabriel, the motto “God is with us,” the eight-pointed Orthodox cross above the state banner. The idea of ​​an autocrat is expressed in the attributes of power: a large imperial crown, other Russian historical crowns, a scepter, an orb, a chain of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.
The Fatherland is reflected in the coat of arms of Moscow, the coats of arms of Russian and Russian lands, in the helmet of the Holy Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. The circular arrangement of the coats of arms symbolizes equality between them, and the central location of the coat of arms of Moscow symbolizes the unity of Rus' around Moscow, the historical center of Russian lands.

Conclusion

Modern coat of arms of the Russian Federation

In 1917, the eagle ceased to be the coat of arms of Russia. The coat of arms of the Russian Federation is known, the subjects of which were autonomous republics and other national entities. Each of the republics, subjects of the Russian Federation, had its own national emblem. But there is no Russian coat of arms on it.
In 1991, a coup d'état took place. Democrats led by B. N. Yeltsin came to power in Russia.
On August 22, 1991, the State Flag of Russia was re-established white-blue-red flag. On November 30, 1993, Russian President B.N. Yeltsin signs the decree “On the State Emblem of the Russian Federation.” Once again the double-headed eagle becomes the coat of arms of Russia.
Now, as before, the double-headed eagle symbolizes the power and unity of the Russian state.