Double-headed eagle: symbol meaning, history. Versions of the appearance of the emblem of the double-headed eagle in Russia

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, Perm lands. The country began to actively develop ties with other European states, its foreign policy position strengthened. In 1497, the all-Russian Sudebnik was adopted - a single code of laws of the country.

It was at this time - the time of the successful construction of Russian statehood.

The Grand Duke of Moscow Ivan III (1462-1505) married the Byzantine princess Sofya Palaiologos and, in order to increase his authority in relations with foreign states, takes the family coat of arms of the Byzantine kings - the Double-headed Eagle. The double-headed eagle of Byzantium personified the Roman-Byzantine Empire, covering East and West. Emperor Maximilian II, however, did not give Sophia his Imperial eagle, the eagle depicted on the banner of Sophia Paleologus had not an Imperial, but only a Caesar's crown.

However, the opportunity to become equal with all European sovereigns prompted Ivan III to adopt this coat of arms as the heraldic symbol of his state. Having turned from the Grand Duke into the Tsar of Moscow and taking for his state a new coat of arms - the Double-headed Eagle, Ivan III in 1472 puts Caesar's crowns on both heads, at the same time a shield with the image of the icon of St. George the Victorious appears on the eagle's chest. In 1480 the Tsar of Moscow became Autocrat, i.e. independent and independent. This circumstance is reflected in the modification of the Eagle, a sword and an Orthodox cross appear in its paws.

IV turns 16 years old, and he is crowned king and immediately the Eagle undergoes a very significant change, as if personifying the entire era of the reign of Ivan the Terrible (1548-1574, 1576-1584). But during the reign of Ivan the Terrible there was a period when he renounced the Kingdom and retired to a monastery, handing over the reins of government to Semyon Bekbulatovich Kasimovsky (1574-1576), and in fact to the boyars. And the Eagle reacted to the ongoing events with another change.

The return of Ivan the Terrible to the throne causes the appearance of a new Eagle, the heads of which are crowned with a single, common crown of a clearly Western pattern. But that's not all, on the chest of the Eagle, instead of the icon of St. George the Victorious, the image of the Unicorn appears. Why? This can only be guessed at. True, in fairness it should be noted that this Eagle was quickly canceled by Ivan the Terrible.

Ivan the Terrible dies and the weak, limited Tsar Fedor 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, a 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 coloring to the coat of arms of the state. The appearance of the "Golgotha ​​cross" in the coat of arms of Russia coincides with the time of the establishment in 1589 of the patriarchate and church independence of Russia. Another coat of arms of Fedor Ivanovich is also known, which is somewhat different from the above.

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, on which a two-headed eagle with a rider on his chest was crowned with two crowns, and an Orthodox eight-pointed cross rises between the heads of the eagle.

Boris Godunov (1587-1605), who replaced Fyodor Ivanovich, could have been the founder of a new dynasty. His occupation of the throne was completely legal, but popular rumor did not want to see him as a legitimate Tsar, considering him a regicide. And the Eagle reflects this public opinion.

The enemies of Russia took advantage of the Troubles, and the appearance of False Dmitry (1605-1606) under these conditions was quite natural, as was the appearance of a new Eagle. I must say that some of the seals depicted another, clearly not a Russian Eagle. Here, events also left their mark on the Orel, and in connection with the Polish occupation, the Orel becomes very similar to the Polish one, differing, perhaps, in a two-headed one.

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

The Time of Troubles ended, Russia repulsed the claims to the throne of the Polish and Swedish dynasties. Numerous impostors were defeated, the uprisings blazing in the country were suppressed. Since 1613, by decision of the Zemsky Sobor, the Romanov dynasty began to rule in Russia. Under the first tsar of this dynasty - Mikhail Fedorovich (1613-1645), nicknamed by the people "The Quietest" - the State Emblem changes somewhat. In 1625, for the first time, a double-headed eagle is depicted under three crowns, George the Victorious returned on his chest, but not in the form of an icon, in the form of a shield. Also, on the icons, 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 give up their hopes to bring Russia to the Catholic faith.

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

The next stage in the change of the State Emblem came after the Pereyaslav Rada, the entry of Ukraine into the Russian state. At the celebrations on this occasion, a new, unprecedented three-headed Eagle appears, which was supposed to symbolize the new title of the Russian Tsar: "All Great and Small, and White Russia Tsar, Sovereign and Autocrat."

To the charter of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich Bogdan Khmelnitsky and his descendants on the city of Gadyach dated March 27, 1654, a seal was attached, on which for the first time a two-headed eagle under three crowns is depicted holding symbols of power in its claws: a scepter and an orb.

In contrast to the Byzantine model, and possibly under the influence of the coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire, the double-headed eagle began to be depicted with raised wings starting from 1654.

In 1654, a forged double-headed eagle was installed on the spire of the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin.

In 1663, for the first time in Russian history, the Bible, the main book of Christianity, came out from under the printing press in Moscow. It is no coincidence that the State Emblem of Russia was depicted in it and its poetic "explanation" was given:

In 1667, after a long war between Russia and Poland over Ukraine, the Andrusovo truce was concluded. To seal this treaty, 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 Decree in the history of Russia dated December 14 "On the royal title and on the state seal" appeared, which contained an official description of the coat of arms: "The double-headed eagle is the coat of arms of the sovereign Grand Sovereign, Tsar and Grand Duke Alexei Mikhailovich of All Great and Small and White Russian autocrat, His Royal Majesty of the Russian reign, on which three crowns are depicted that signify the three great Kazan, Astrakhan, Siberian glorious kingdoms.On the Persians (chest) is the image of the heir; in the pasnokts (claws) is a scepter and an apple, and shows the most merciful Sovereign, His Royal Majesty Autocrat and Possessor".

Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich dies and the short and unremarkable reign of his son Fedor Alekseevich (1676-1682) begins. The three-headed Eagle is replaced by the old two-headed Eagle, and at the same time does not reflect anything new. After a short struggle with the boyar choice for the kingdom of the young Peter, under the regency of his mother Natalya Kirillovna, the second tsar, the weak and limited John, is elevated to the throne. And behind the double royal throne stands Princess Sophia (1682-1689). The actual reign of Sophia brought to life a new Eagle. However, he did not last long. After a new outbreak of unrest - the Streltsy rebellion, a new Eagle appears. Moreover, the old Eagle does not disappear, and both of them exist for some time in parallel.

In the end, Sophia, having been defeated, goes to the monastery, and in 1696 Tsar John V also dies, the throne goes solely 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 transferred to St. Petersburg and Orel acquires 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 the 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 becomes the main element of the sign of the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called and the symbol of the Russian Navy. Since 1699, images of a double-headed eagle surrounded by a chain with the sign of the St. Andrew's Order have been found. And next year, the St. Andrew's Order is placed on an eagle, around a shield with a rider.

From the first quarter of the 18th century, the colors of the double-headed eagle were brown (natural) or black.

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

In the short reign of Catherine I (1725-1727), the Eagle again changes its forms, the ironic nickname "Queen of the Swamp" went everywhere and, accordingly, the Eagle simply could not help but change. However, this Eagle lasted a very short time. Menshikov, drawing attention to him, ordered to withdraw it from use, and by the day of the coronation of the Empress, a new Eagle appeared. By decree of Empress Catherine I of March 11, 1726, the description of the coat of arms was fixed: "A black eagle with outstretched wings, in a yellow field, on it is a rider in a red field."

After the death of Catherine I in the short reign of Peter II (1727-1730) - the grandson of Peter I, Orel remained virtually unchanged.

However, the reign of Anna Ioannovna (1730-1740) and Ivan VI (1740-1741) - the great-grandson of Peter I, does not cause practically any change in the Eagle, with the exception of an exorbitantly elongated body. However, the accession to the throne of Empress Elizabeth (1740-1761) entails a radical change in the Eagle. Nothing remains of the imperial power, and George the Victorious is replaced by a cross (moreover, not Orthodox). The humiliating period of Russia added the humiliating Eagle.

The Eagle did not react in any way to the very short and extremely insulting reign of Peter III (1761-1762) for the Russian people. In 1762, Catherine II "the Great" (1762-1796) came to the throne and the Eagle changed, acquiring powerful and grandiose forms. In the minting of coins of this reign there were many arbitrary forms of the coat of arms. The most interesting form is the Eagle, which appeared during the time of Pugachev with a huge and not quite familiar crown.

The Eagle of Emperor Paul I (1796-1801) appeared long before the death of Catherine II, as if in opposition to her Eagle, to distinguish the Gatchina battalions from the entire Russian Army, to be worn on buttons, badges and headdresses. Finally, he appears on the standard of the Tsarevich himself. This Eagle is created by Paul himself.

During the short reign of Emperor Paul I (1796-1801), Russia pursued an active foreign policy, faced with a new enemy for itself - Napoleonic France. After the French troops occupied the Mediterranean island of Malta, Paul I took the Order of Malta under his protection, becoming the grand master of the order. On August 10, 1799, Paul I signed a decree on the inclusion of the Maltese cross and crown in the state emblem. On the chest of the eagle, under the Maltese crown, there was a shield with St. George (Paul interpreted it as the "root coat of arms of Russia") superimposed on the Maltese cross.

Paul I 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 coat of arms described above in the form of a double-headed eagle with a Maltese cross, larger than the rest. 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 appeared. The supporters, the archangels Michael and Gabriel, support the imperial crown over the knight's helmet and mantle (cloak). The whole composition is placed against the background of a canopy with a dome - the heraldic symbol of sovereignty. Two standards with two-headed and one-headed eagles emerge from behind the shield with coats of arms. This project has not been finalized.

As a result of the conspiracy, on March 11, 1801, Pavel fell at the hands of palace regicides. The young Emperor Alexander I "Blessed" (1801-1825) takes the throne. By the day of his coronation, a new Eagle appears, already without the Maltese emblems, but, in fact, this Eagle is quite close to the previous one. The victory over Napoleon and almost complete control over all processes in Europe causes the emergence of a new Eagle. He had one crown, the wings of an eagle were depicted lowered (spread out), and in the paws not the traditional scepter and orb, but a wreath, lightning bolts (peruns) and a torch.

In 1825, Alexander I (according to the official version) dies in Taganrog and Emperor Nicholas I (1825-1855), strong-willed and aware of his duty to Russia, takes the throne. Nicholas contributed to the powerful, spiritual and cultural revival of Russia. This revealed a new Eagle, which changed somewhat over time, but still carried all the same strict forms.

In 1855-1857, during the heraldic reform, which was carried out under the leadership of Baron B.Kene, the type of the 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 "titular" coats of arms on the wings. On the right were shields with the emblems of Kazan, Poland, Tauric Chersonesos and the combined emblem of the Grand Duchies (Kyiv, Vladimir, Novgorod), on the left - shields with the emblems of Astrakhan, Siberia, Georgia, Finland.

On April 11, 1857, the Supreme approval of the entire set of state emblems followed. It included: Large, Medium 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, Medium and Small state seals, arks (cases) for seals, as well as seals of the main and lower government places and persons were approved. In total, one act approved one hundred and ten drawings lithographed by A. Beggrov. On May 31, 1857, the Senate published a Decree describing the new emblems and the norms for their use.

Also known is another Eagle of Emperor Alexander II (1855-1881), where the gleam of gold returns to the Eagle again. The scepter and orb are replaced by a torch and a wreath. During the reign, the wreath and torch are replaced several times by the scepter and orb, and several times they return again.

On July 24, 1882, Emperor Alexander III approved the drawing of the Great Coat of Arms of the Russian Empire in Peterhof, on which the composition was preserved, but the details were changed, in particular the figures of the archangels. In addition, the imperial crowns began to be depicted like real diamond crowns used during the coronation.

The large Russian state emblem, approved by the Highest on November 3, 1882, is in a golden shield a black double-headed eagle crowned with two imperial crowns, above which is the same, but larger, crown, with two fluttering ends of the ribbon of the St. Andrew's Order. The state eagle holds a golden scepter and orb. On the chest of the eagle is the coat of arms of Moscow. The shield is crowned with the helmet of the Holy Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. The namet is black with gold. Around the shield is the chain of the Order of St. Apostle Andrew the First-Called; on the sides of the image of the saints Archangel Michael and Archangel Gabriel. The canopy is golden, crowned with the imperial crown, dotted with Russian eagles and lined with ermine. On it is a scarlet inscription: God is with us! Above the canopy is the state banner, with an eight-pointed cross on the staff.

Almost every country in the world has its own coat of arms. Depending on the basis on which the state arose, its history can either be calculated for centuries or completely absent, and the symbol of the state itself can be only 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 appeared on the coat of arms of Russia a very long time ago, and although such a symbol was not used for a long time of the existence of the Soviet Union, now the situation has changed, and it has returned to its rightful place again.

Coat of arms history

In fact, the eagle appeared on the coats of arms of many princes long before becoming the official symbol of the state. Officially, it is believed that in the 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. Prior to 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, up to the appearance of the large coat of arms of the Russian Empire, this symbol constantly changed and acquired various elements. The result was the most complex coat of arms in the world, which existed until 1917. Historically, the flag of Russia with the coat of arms has been 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. Located in the middle of the coat of arms, a rider on a horse, killing a snake, has a rather ancient history. Almost all ancient princes in Russia used similar images on their symbols. At the same time, it was implied that the horseman himself is 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 coats of arms of the ancient princes images of foot soldiers were also used, and the direction in which the rider is located also changed. For example, on the coat of arms of False Dmitry, the horseman is turned to the right, which is more in line with the traditional symbolism of the West, while earlier he was turned to the left. Three crowns, which are located on top of the coat of arms, did not appear immediately. In different periods of time, there were from one to three crowns, and only the Russian Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich was the first to give an explanation - the crowns symbolized three kingdoms: Siberian, Astrakhan and Kazan. Later, the crowns were recognized as symbols of the independence of the state. This is a sad and interesting moment. In 1917, by decree of the provisional government, the coat of arms of Russia was once again changed. Crowns were removed from it, which were considered symbols of tsarism, but from the point of view of the science of heraldry, the state independently abandoned its own independence.

The orb and scepter, which the double-headed eagle holds in its paws, traditionally symbolize a single power and state power (and they were also removed in 1917). Despite the fact that traditionally the eagle was depicted in gold on a red background, during the time of the Russian Empire, without thinking twice, they took the colors traditional not for our state, but for Germany, because 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 a more modern interpretation - the color of courage, courage, love and blood that was shed during the battles for the homeland. The flag of Russia with the coat of arms is also sometimes used.

Coats of arms of Russian cities

In most cases, coats of arms do not exist in cities, but in the 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, slaying a snake, similar to the one located on the state symbols, but still somewhat different. The image that exists at the moment is as close as possible to the one that existed in Moscow and its princes back in the days of Ancient Russia.

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 accepted. The emblem of the Vatican served as the prototype of this symbol. The scepter with the state eagle and the crown symbolize that this city was the capital of the Russian Empire for a long time. Two crossed anchors indicate that St. Petersburg is both a sea and a river port, and the red background symbolizes the blood shed during the war with Sweden.

Coat of arms of the USSR

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 observed, but everything else has changed dramatically. In the center, against the background of the sun's rays, a crossed hammer and sickle are depicted, at the top - a red star (it was not in the first variations of the coat of arms). On the sides are ears of wheat, and below the symbol on a red background is written in black letters "Proletarians 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, until the collapse and is still used in one form or another by various communist parties.

The modern coat of arms of the Russian Federation

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

Results

In general, the coat of arms of Russia has a very long history, and the specific reasons for using just such symbols were invented rather upon the fact of application. The reasons why they were chosen by some ancient ruler is unlikely to ever be established for certain.

The history of the coat of arms of Russia is very ancient and interesting, it contains many facts related to its creation. The first information can be dated back to 1497, as scientists proved that it was at that time that the seal of Ivan III, which he inherited from Vasily the Dark, had the designation of a lion tormenting a snake (the lion at that time was a symbol of the Vladimir principality).

To form the ideology of the united country, by the end of the 15th century, a new symbol of power was chosen. The history of the coat of arms of Russia testifies that George the Victorious was chosen as the designation of statehood (previously it was used in Kievan Rus). The double-headed eagle was chosen as another symbol.

The history of the coat of arms of Russia indicates that de facto this symbol challenged the right of the Habsburg Empire to be called the strongest state in Western Europe. In addition, there was a formal reason for this, because the wife of Ivan III was the daughter of the head of the Despotate of Morea, and the double-headed eagle was their family sign.

With the final liquidation and cessation of dependence on the Golden Horde, the first grand ducal seal appeared. Historians have come to the conclusion that the history of the coat of arms of Russia begins with the state emblem depicted on the seal, which was sealed with a charter of specific princes for land ownership in 1497. At the same time, images appeared in the Kremlin on the walls in the form of a gilded double-headed eagle on a red field.

In 1539-1589. under Ivan the Terrible, the double-headed eagle is transferred to the coat of arms of Russia. The story mentions the addition of a unicorn in the center. Then he was replaced by a snake-rider - the Moscow symbol. Later, Orthodox symbols appeared, which reflected the role of the official religion.

The horseman was identified with the sovereign, and since the time of Ivan the Terrible, he appeared on Russian seals and coins. The image, symbolizing the Grand Duke, was perceived this way until the beginning of the 18th century. Only under Peter I (in 1710) did they begin to call him “Saint George”. In those years, imperial emblems were established.

Times of Russian unrest in 1604-1606. made their changes to the state symbols. The traditions of Western European heraldry were used: the rider was turned to the right, and instead of the cross, the third crown appeared for the first time. After 1625, a double-headed eagle with three crowns, meaning the conquered Astrakhan, Siberian and Kazan kingdoms, adorns the coat of arms of Russia.

The history of the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich makes its own adjustments, which are expressed in the appearance After 1699, elements of the St. Andrew's Order appear on the coat of arms, which were introduced at the insistence of the ruler. The eagle becomes black in the manner of Western European coats of arms. By decree of 1704, the image of the rider (George the Victorious) is called the "sovereign". This is confirmed in the documents of later, 1730s.

History of the coat of arms 1730-1740 gets a fixed form for a long time. A Swedish engraver, Swiss by origin, invited by Empress Anna Ioannovna, in 1740 engraved with minor changes the State Seal, which was used until 1856.

Emperor Paul I, after the conquest of Malta by Napoleon, became the head and the history of the coat of arms continued to undergo changes, and a cross is placed on the eagle's chest. During his time, a complex one consisting of 43 small ones is being developed, which they do not have time to approve during his lifetime. In 1830, other various options appear, but 2 official types were adopted by the emperor.

In 1856, the small coat of arms was approved, and the heraldic reform of Alexander II in 1857 adopted a whole set of samples, consisting of 110 drawings. In the future, until the February revolution, no changes took place in this important state issue.

After the Provisional Government came to power in 1917, all the attributes of the emblem were lost, except for the eagle. In this form, it existed until 07/24/1918, until a new Soviet model was adopted. In 1978, a red star was added to it. In 1992, the inscription "RSFSR" was abolished on the symbol of statehood, replacing it with another one - "Russian Federation". The adoption of the modern state emblem took place in 1993.

Today, the state needs symbols in the same way as several centuries ago, if not more. The thing is that a common banner is really capable of uniting people. That is why the coat of arms was invented. This is a beautiful and mysterious symbol of an entire era.

Coat of arms of the Fatherland beautiful

So, what does it represent in the modern Russian Federation? What is remarkable? The law says that it is a quadrangular, with rounded lower corners, red heraldic shield, pointed at the tip, with the image of a golden double-headed eagle, raising its spread wings up. This 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, is a silver rider dressed in a blue cloak. The knight is depicted on a silver horse, a man strikes a black serpent trampled down by a horse, overturned on its back, with a silver spear. In order to fully understand the essence of the symbol, it is necessary to understand 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 the modern reproduction of the State Emblem of the Russian Federation is quite acceptable without the so-called heraldic shield. That is, in fact, the main figure remains: a two-headed eagle, which has the attributes that were listed earlier. In addition, a one-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 colors of the symbols of the late fifteenth-seventeenth centuries. The drawing of this bird, which the coat of arms of the Russian Federation possesses, goes back to the images that are located on the monuments of the era of Peter the Great.

As for the eagle above their 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 hence the subjects of the Federation.

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

The Importance of Interpretation

It should be noted that the image of a rider 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 incessant 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 image of the coat of arms as the main symbol of our Fatherland. But where did it all start? 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 Russia. In particular, during the struggle and fierce battles, embroidered or painted images of the Virgin Mary, Christ, certain saints, or simply an Orthodox cross most often served as banners. 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, the Old Russian princes 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 Dimitri Donskoy "rules", as you might guess, Saint Dimitri). In addition, as a rule, there was an inscription on the symbolism, which indicated who directly owned this seal. The wording was also interesting. For example, "the seal belongs to such and such a prince." It was considered a badge of honour.

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”, that is, a symbolic image of the prince ruling at the current time, began to appear on seals. Interestingly, the rider's weapons could well be different. In particular, a bow, a spear, a sword were most often depicted. But on the coins of the times of Ivan the Second the Red, a foot warrior began to appear for the first time, who strikes a snake 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 inherent in numerous seals that belonged not only to the princes of Vladimir and Moscow, but also to other lords. For example, during the reign of Ivan the Third, the image of a rider who strikes a snake or dragon was not on the symbolism of the Grand Duke of Moscow (a man with a sword was present there), but 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 it's wonderful!

It is interesting that since this prince of Moscow began to single-handedly rule Russia, the rider on a horse who strikes the dragon with a spear, that is, a symbolic image of the actual victory of good over evil, has become one of the most important symbols of the entire Russian state, along with no less famous and popular double-headed eagle. This became a predetermining moment in the formation of the modern perception of domestic 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. For the first time, an 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 1497, although these images were found earlier in ancient Russian art, as well as on Tver coins. However, it was the first time she was remembered that 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, which were different in size, namely the Large and Small. These are the first elements that the coat of arms of Russia is famous for. In the second case, it was two-sided, usually attached to an important document, on each side an eagle and a rider were placed separately. But the big seal was one-sided. It was necessarily applied to the sheets, therefore, subsequently, it became necessary to combine the two symbols of the state into one. As practice has shown, it was an excellent decision.

For the first time, this combination is found directly on the big seal of Ivan the Terrible in 1562. This is already a kind of coat of arms of Russia. At the same time, instead of the rider, as a rule, a unicorn began to appear. And although the tsar himself did not consider the indicated beast to be such a necessary symbol of the state, nevertheless, this animal was found on some seals of the most 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 an independent and strong Russian Orthodox Church).

Crown of Creation

It should be noted that on the small seal of False Dmitry in 1604, the eagle was depicted for the first time under three crowns, while the rider on the chest of the bird was turned, as a rule, to the right side, according to well-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 above the heads of the eagle for a long period of time. Interestingly, the date of the official establishment of all three crowns on the coat of arms can be considered one thousand six hundred and twenty-fifth year. At that time, a third crown appeared on the so-called small state seal under Mikhail Fedorovich between the heads of the bird (this 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 same symbols “flaunted” on the so-called Great State Seal of the famous ruler Alexei Mikhailovich, as well as his son Mikhail Fedorovich, in 1645. And here it is - the coat of arms of Russia, the significance of which in history can hardly be overestimated. Beautiful, unusual and proud ...

Emblem 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 the same decoration was present above the indicated crowns, but in a large form. It was a crown, marked by the two ends of the flowing ribbon of the St. Andrew's Order. Such a state eagle in its powerful claws holds a golden scepter, as well as an orb. As for the chest of the bird, the coat of arms of Moscow is depicted here, that is, in a scarlet shield with gold 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 mantle, on a silver horse covered with purple cloth, trimmed with gold fringe. A brave horseman strikes a golden dragon with green wings with a spear with an eight-pointed cross in its upper part.

Usually the shield crowned namely the most famous Holy Grand Duke. Around the indicated symbolism there was a chain of the Order of the Most Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. It is noteworthy that on the sides 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. Interestingly, 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 was usually a black double-headed eagle, directly on the wings of which, as a rule, eight shields of principalities, as well as "kingdoms" were depicted. Interestingly, the description of the coat of arms of Russia is very similar to the description of these ancient symbols that have been known in Russia for a long time. Everything, as you know, is formed historically, goes from time immemorial. Therefore, it is not surprising that such a symbol has been formed for centuries.

How about now?

Today, everywhere, in all schools, the coat of arms of Russia is studied, its significance in history and culture. And it is right. Children should understand from an early age where what comes from and what it means. 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 the 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 “flash” 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 word coat of arms comes from the German word erbe, which means inheritance.

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 a special historical discipline of HERALDY, which was established back in the Middle Ages.

Seal of Ivan III the Great

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

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

History of the coat of arms double-headed eagle

The eagle in the coat of arms originates from Byzantium. Later he appeared on the coat of arms of Russia. 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, 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 formation as an element of the state emblem. Let's consider these steps.
As mentioned above, coats of arms appeared in Russia a long time ago, but they were only drawings on the seals of the kings, they did not obey heraldic rules. Due to the lack of chivalry in Russia, coats of arms were not very common.Until the 16th century, Russia was a disparate state, so the state emblem of Russia was out of the question. But under Ivan III (1462-
1505) his seal acted as a coat of arms. On its front side is depicted a rider piercing a snake with a spear, and on the back - a double-headed eagle.

Ivan III and his seal. 1497

The first known images of a double-headed eagle date back to the 13th century BC. - This is a rock image 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 Asia Minor under the Median king Cyaxares (625-585 BC). Then the double-headed eagle appeared on the emblems of Rome under Constantine the Great. After the foundation in 330 of the new capital - Constantinople - the double-headed eagle became the state emblem of the Roman Empire.After the adoption of Christianity from Byzantium, Russia began to experience a strong influence of Byzantine culture, Byzantine ideas. Along with Christianity, new political orders and relations began to penetrate Russia. 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 Russia. 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.From the end of the 15th century, the Byzantine coat of arms appeared on the seals of the Moscow sovereign - a double-headed eagle, it is combined with the former Moscow coat of arms - the image of George the Victorious. Thus, Russia confirmed the continuity from Byzantium.

From Ivan III to Peter I

Great State Seal of Tsar Ivan IV Vasilyevich (the Terrible)

The development of the Russian emblem is inextricably linked with the history of Russia. The eagle on the seals of John III was depicted with a closed beak and looked more like an eaglet. Russia of that time was still an eaglet, a young state. In the reign of Vasily III Ioannovich (1505-1533), the double-headed eagle is depicted already with open beaks, from which tongues protrude. At this time, Russia was strengthening its position: the monk Philotheus sends a message to Vasily III with his theory that "Moscow is the Third Rome."In the reign of John IV Vasilyevich (1533-1584), Russia won victories over the Astrakhan and Kazan kingdoms, annexed Siberia. The power of the Russian state is also reflected in its coat of arms: the two-headed eagle on the state seal is crowned with a single crown with an eight-pointed Orthodox cross above it. Front side of the 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 chest of the eagle is a shield with the image of St. George the Victorious.On February 21, 1613, Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov was elected king by the Zemsky Sobor. 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 a new era in the history of Russia, which at that time becomes a single and rather strong state. This circumstance is immediately reflected in the coat of arms: instead of an eight-pointed cross, a third crown appears above the eagle. 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.
Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov (1645-1676) ends the Russian-Polish conflict with the conclusion of the Andrusovo truce with Poland (1667). The Russian state becomes equal in rights with other European states. During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, the eagle receives symbols of power: scepter and orb .

Great State Seal of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich

At the request of the Tsar, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Leopold I sent his King of Arms Lavrenty Hurelevich to Moscow, who in 1673 wrote the essay “On the Genealogy of the Russian Grand Dukes and Sovereigns, showing the existing, through marriages, affinity between Russia and the eight European powers, that is Caesar of Rome, the kings of English, Danish, Gishpansky, Polish, Portuguese and Swedish, and with the image of these royal coats of arms, and in the middle of their Grand Duke St. Vladimir, at the end of the portrait of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. This essay marked the beginning of the development of Russian heraldry. The wings of the eagle are raised up and fully opened (a symbol of the complete assertion of Russia as a powerful state; its heads are crowned with three royal crowns; on the chest is a shield with the Moscow coat of arms; in its paws is a scepter and 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 coat of arms of the sovereign Grand Sovereign, Tsar and Grand Duke Alexei Mikhailovich of All Great and Small and White Russia, the autocrat, His Royal Majesty of the Russian kingdom, on which three corunas are depicted, signifying the three great Kazan, Astrakhan, Siberian glorious kingdoms, submitting to the God-protected and highest of His Tsar's Majesty the most merciful Sovereign and command ... on the Persians is the image of the heir; in pasonkteh, 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 equal among the leading powers of Europe.
Under him, according to heraldic rules, the coat of arms began to be depicted in black (before that, it was depicted in gold). The eagle has become not only an adornment of state papers, but also a symbol of strength and power.

In 1721, Peter I assumed the imperial title, and instead of royal crowns, imperial crowns began to be depicted on the coats of arms. In 1722, he established the King of Arms office and the position of King of Arms.
Under Peter I, the state emblem also underwent other changes: in addition to changing the color of the eagle, shields with coats of arms were placed on its wings.Great principalities and kingdoms. On the right wing there were shields with coats of arms (from top to bottom): Kyiv, Novgorod, Astrakhan; on the left wing: Vladimir, Siberian, Kazan. It was under Peter I that a set of attributes of the coat of arms eagle developed.And after Russia entered the “spaces of Siberia and the 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 XVIII century. immigrants from Germany dominated the leadership of the state, which did not contribute to the strengthening of the country. In 1736, Empress Anna Ioannovna invited a Swiss-born Swedish engraver I.K.

Until the end of the XVIII century. there were no special changes in the design of the coat of arms, but during the time of Elizabeth Petrovna and Catherine the Great, the eagle looked more like an eagle.

Coat of arms of Catherine I

Pavel I

After becoming emperor, Paul I immediately tried to modify the Russian coat of arms. By decree of April 5, 1797, the double-headed eagle becomes 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 its chest. The cross was placed on the chest of the eagle under the Moscow coat of arms ("the root coat of arms of Russia"). Also, the emperor is 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.

Coat of arms of Russia with the Maltese cross

Coat of arms of the Russian Empire under Paul I. 1799.

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 manage to accept 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 emblem was supposed to symbolize the internal unity and power of Russia. However, the project of Paul I 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 wings of an eagle are widely spread to the side, and the feathers are lowered down. One head is more tilted than the other. Instead of a scepter and an orb in the paws of an eagle, new attributes appear: a torch, thunderbolts (thunder arrows), a laurel wreath (sometimes a branch), a lictor bundle intertwined with ribbons.

Portraits of Alexander I and Nicholas I, united by the coat of arms

Alexander I

Nicholas I

Coat of arms of Nicholas I

The reign of Nicholas I (1825-1855) was emphatically firm and resolute (the suppression of the Decembrist uprising, limiting 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, so since 1832 the coat of arms of the Polish kingdom has been included in the Russian coat of arms.At the end of the reign of Nicholas I, the head of the department of heraldry, 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 supposed to be depicted in a French shield, the horseman should have been turned, according to heraldic rules, to the left side of the viewer. But in 1855, Nicholas I died, and Kene's projects were implemented only under Alexander II.

The large state emblem of the Russian Empire was introduced in 1857 by decree of Emperor Alexander II (this is 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 gold 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, a large one is located between the heads and rises above them; in the paws of an eagle - a scepter and orb; on the chest is depicted "the coat of arms of Moscow: in a shield scarlet with gold edges, the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious in silver weapons and an azure encirclement on a silver horse."

Great Coat of Arms of the Empire, approved by Alexander III in 1882

The shield, on which an eagle is depicted, 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 are shield holders: on the right side (on the left of the viewer) - the holy Archangel Michael, on the left - the Archangel Gabriel. The central part under the shadow of a large imperial crown and the state banner above it.

Medium State Emblem of the Russian Empire
To the left and right of the state banner, on the same horizontal line with it, there are six shields with the combined coats of arms of principalities and volosts - three to the right and three to the left of the banner, almost creating a semicircle. Nine shields crowned with the coats of arms of the Grand Duchies and kingdoms and the coat of arms of His Imperial Majesty are the continuation and most of the circle that the combined coats of arms of the principalities and volosts began. Coats of arms counterclockwise: Astrakhan kingdom, Siberian kingdom, Family coat of arms of His Imperial Majesty, combined coats of arms of the Grand Principalities, coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Finland, coat of arms of Chersonis-Tauride, coat of arms of the Polish kingdom, coat of arms of the Kazan kingdom.The upper six shields from left to right: the combined coats of arms of the principalities and regions of the Great Russian, the combined coats of arms of the principalities and regions of the South-Western, the combined coats of arms of the Baltic regions.
At the same time, the Middle and Small state emblems were adopted.

Small State Emblem of the Russian Empire

The average state coat of arms was the same as the Bolshoi, but without state banners and six coats of arms above the canopy; Small - the same as the Middle, but without a canopy, images of saints and the family coat of arms of His Imperial Majesty.Adopted by the decree of Alexander III of 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), 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, the holy Archangel Michael and the holy Archangel Gabriel, the motto "God bless us", an eight-pointed Orthodox cross over 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 emblem of Moscow, the emblems of Russian and Russian lands, in the helmet of the Holy Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky. The circular arrangement of the coats of arms symbolizes the equality between them, and the central location of the coat of arms of Moscow symbolizes the unity of Russia around Moscow, the historical center of the Russian lands.

The modern coat of arms of the Russian Federation (tyts)

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 there was a coup d'etat. Democrats headed by BN Yeltsin came to power in Russia.On August 22, 1991, the white-blue-red flag is re-approved as the State Flag of Russia. On November 30, 1993, President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin signs a decree "On the State Emblem of the Russian Federation". The double-headed eagle is again the coat of arms of Russia.Now, as before, the double-headed eagle symbolizes the power and unity of the Russian state.