The coat of arms is one of the most significant symbols of cities and countries. Absolutely every city on the planet has its coat of arms. Each of them is special, inimitable and has its own unique history and decoding of each symbol. In particular, the arms of New York State were designed back in the 18th century. What was it like before and has it changed for many centuries? Read more at i-new-york.com.
Creation of the coat of arms
The very first version of the coat of arms was adopted back in 1778. It was developed during the War of Independence. Therefore, it has the appropriate symbols on it.
The earliest depiction of the coat of arms dates from the late 18th century. Its distinctive feature is the branches located in the lower corners, a rounded shield and an eagle looking to the left.
The coat of arms of the late 19th century was already presented in color. There are considerable changes here. In the lower corners, there are no branches with leaves, the eagle’s head is turned to the other side and the top of the shield is not so rounded. The coat of arms also began to use a yellow background. In 1896, this depiction was officially adopted as the coat of arms of New York.
Improved coat of arms of the 20-21st centuries
The color scheme of the coat of arms was almost totally changed. Most of the globe on which the eagle sat became visible. The eagle itself was repainted from brown to white. His gaze was also directed to the left side again. The image of the shield has fully changed. In particular, its shape has changed dramatically. Ships were added to the image of the rising sun on the shield from behind the mountains above the river. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the official color of the coat of arms has been blue instead of yellow.
For many centuries, a permanent inscription was at the bottom of the coat of arms: “Excelsior.” Translated from Latin, it means “Ever Upward.” This expression on the coat of arms is also one of the favorite sayings of the 56th Governor of New York, Cuomo. He even used this phrase to name a scholarship for free education at a state college. In general, “Ever Upward” is a reminder that New York State is always growing and evolving. Even the state’s rapid development is evidenced by its confident and saturated colors.
In the 21st century, another motto was suggested, E pluribus unum, which translates from Latin as “Out of many, one.” This expression belongs to the traditional motto of the United States and appears more often on national seals and other national documents.
Characteristics of the coat of arms symbols
In the early years, New York was a center of trade. Many trading ships arrived and departed here every day. In particular, it was depicted in the latest version of the city’s coat of arms on a shield in the form of two ships floating on the Hudson River. The shield also shows meadows, mountains and the sun rising behind them, accurately portraying the river’s landscape.
On both sides of the shield, the coat of arms depicts two supports in the form of women: Liberty and Justice. One holds a pole with a Phrygian hat on the tip, and the British crown lies under her feet. This depiction is a symbol of independence from the British monarchy, which colonized the lands of New York in the 17th century. The other woman is the personification of justice. She holds scales and the legendary sword of justice.
The New York coat of arms has a centuries-old history. It is depicted on virtually all official documents, as well as on the seals of state governments, the flag and other objects.
In addition, the New York coat of arms is considered one of the eight coats of arms in the United States that contain an eagle. Specifically, a bird looking to the left side and sitting on a globe depicting the Western Hemisphere is a symbol of a good omen.