The National Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago is composed of iconic symbols that represent the storied history of the nation. It was designed and adopted in 1962 along with other national emblems in commemoration of the country gaining its independence from Great Britain.
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What does the Trinidad coat of arms represent?
The three gold ships represent the Trinity – the discovery of the islands and the three ships of Columbus; the sea that brought our people together; and the commerce and wealth of our country. The colours of the National Flag are displayed on the Shield.
Where can the Trinidad coat of arms be found?
The Coat of Arms is the seal of state of the Government, arguably the most important of the National Emblems and is located at the top of all government documents. A licence must be acquired to reproduce and sell the Coat of Arms.
Why are there two hummingbirds on the coat of arms?
The gold ships represent the three ships Christopher Columbus used on his voyage. The two birds on the shield are hummingbirds. Trinidad is sometimes referred to as the “Land of the Hummingbird” because 18 different species of hummingbird have been recorded on the island.
When was the coat of arms first used?
12th century
A coat of arms is a hereditary device, borne upon a shield, and devised according to a recognised system. This system was developed in northern Europe in the mid-12th century for the purpose of identification and was very widely adopted by kings, princes, knights and other major power holders throughout western Europe.
What is found in the coat of arms?
A coat of arms is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard (the latter two being outer garments). The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full heraldic achievement, which in its whole consists of a shield, supporters, a crest, and a motto.
What is a coat of arms for a country?
A national coat of arms is a symbol which denotes an independent state in the form of a heraldic achievement.
Who designed the Coat of Arms?
Ten top designers were briefed and three designers were chosen to present their ideas to the Cabinet. The final choice was the design by Mr. Iaan Bekker.
What is the highest award in Trinidad and Tobago?
The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the highest honour of Trinidad and Tobago. Established in 2008, it replaced the Trinity Cross as the decoration for distinguished and outstanding service to the country.
What are the colors of Coat of Arms?
The five traditional colours are, with their heraldic names:
- Red = Gules.
- Blue = Azure.
- Green = Vert.
- Black = Sable.
- Purple = Purpure.
What are three things that are on the coat of arms?
Parts of the Coat of Arms included the cape, shield/field, crest, helmet/helm, surcoat, wreath/torse, mantling/mantle, supporters/attendants, compartment, and motto. The general areas of the shield were called the escutcheon, field, charge, and ordinaries symbolic of various ideals and concepts.
What is another word for coat of arms?
In this page you can discover 14 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for coat-of-arms, like: armorial bearings, emblem, crest, blazon, armorial, arms, ensign, cartouche, bearings, blazonry and heraldic device.
What is a motto on a coat of arms?
A slogan is used in Scottish heraldry as a heraldic motto or a secondary motto. It usually appears above the crest on a coat of arms, though sometimes it appears as a secondary motto beneath the shield. The word slogan dates from 1513.
What is the most important part of a coat of arms?
The coat of arms proper is the shield – the most important part of the heraldic achievement. In medieval times, knights would identify themselves with the designs on their shields, so each shield needed to have a unique design.
What are the four main parts of the coat of arms?
Parts of a Coat of Arms
- Shield. The shield is the central shape on which the colours and symbols that make up the coat of arms are placed.
- Helmet and mantling. The helmet placed above the shield recalls the origins of heraldry.
- Crest and wreath.
- Motto.
- Supporters and Compartment.
Why is the importance of the coat of arms?
Coat of Arms is a collection of elements, currency, and symbolic pieces that represent a person, a family, a company, or even a country. They initially, among other things, were used to recognize and differentiate soldiers in battles, and over time to represent great ruling families.
Who can have a coat of arms?
For any person to have a right to a coat of arms they must either have had it granted to them or be descended in the legitimate male line from a person to whom arms were granted or confirmed in the past.
What is a coat of arms simple?
The definition of a coat of arms is a shield with symbols and figures that represent a family, person, a group or other organization. An example of a coat of arms is a family crest. noun. 3. A representation of bearings.
What does the two eagles on the coat of arms represent?
Two eagles carrying the shield: Eagles are the strongest of all birds. The two eagles signify the safety of our independence. The shield is divided into four portions.
What does the lion represent in the coat of arms?
The lion is a common charge in heraldry. It traditionally symbolises courage, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness and valour, because historically the lion has been regarded as the “king of beasts”.
Who won the first gold medal for Trinidad and Tobago?
Crawford won a 100 m silver at the 1975 Pan American Games and, as an Eastern Michigan University student, won the 1975 NCAA 100 m title. At the Olympics, Crawford narrowly won the 100 metre final in a time of 10.06, just 0.02 in front of Don Quarrie of Jamaica, winning Trinidad and Tobago’s first Olympic gold medal.