the Australian symbol, formally called The Commonwealth Symbol, is the official emblem of the Commonwealth of Australia. A shield, depicting the symbols of six Australian states, is held by Australian native animals, kangaroos and emus. The Commonwealth Star seven-pointed overlapping symbol also represents states and territories, while flower emblems appear under the shield.
The first weapon was passed by King Edward VII on May 7, 1908, and the current version by King George V on 19 September 1912, although the 1908 version continues to be used in several contexts, mainly appearing behind sixpenny coins.
Video Coat of arms of Australia
Design
Escutcheon is the focal point of the emblem, contained in it is the badge of every Australian state, which is entirely surrounded by a cigar border representing federations of states.
At the top, from left to right, the countries represented are: New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. At the bottom, from left to right: South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. Above the shield is the Seven-pointed Commonwealth Star or the Star of Federation on a bouquet of blue and gold, forming a symbol. Six of the points on the star represent the six original states, while the seventh point represents the combined territories and states of Australia in the future. Overall the shield represents the Australian federation.
The Red Kangaroo and Emu who support the shield have never been designated as the official beast symbol of the nation. They owe an unofficial recognition of the fact that they are endemic Australian fauna (found only on the continent), and most likely chosen because they are Australia's most famous native animals big enough to be positioned together on a scale that holds the shield. They are chosen to symbolize a nation moving forward, based on the fact that the two animals can not move backward easily - that is to symbolize progress. It has been claimed that kangaroos are, and should be seen, men.
In the background is the Golden Wattle wreath, the official national flower symbol, although the representation of species is not accurate botany. At the bottom is a scroll that contains the name of the nation. Neither the wreaths nor the rolls are technically part of the design, as they are not described in the Royal Order which gives armor design.
Blazon
The official Commonwealth Blazon was included in the Royal George V Letter of 19 September 1912, making the Arms officially adopted. Blazon is as follows:
Quarterly six, Argentina's first quarter of a Cross Gules was charged with a lion keeper among every member of an Or eight-point Mullet; The second Azure of the five Mullets, one of eight, two of seven, one of six and one of five points of the first (representing the Southern Cross Constellation) inaugurated with Imperial Crown; the third of the first Maltese Cross of the fourth, overcome by such Imperial Crowns; the fourth of the third, in a Perch circled Vert and Gules, the Australian Piping Shrike is also precisely displayed; fifth or Or Swan naiant to Sable creepy; the last of the first, a second lion, whole in an Ermine Bordure; to Crest on top of Wreath Or and Azure A Seven-pointed Star Or, and for Supporters spark Kangaroo, sinister an Emu, both are right.
Maps Coat of arms of Australia
History
Following the Australian federation, Australia's first official was awarded by King Edward VII on May 7, 1908. The original design is thought to have been inspired by the 1805 Bowman Flag, which shows roses, shamrock and thistles supported by kangaroos and emus.
It consists of a shield in the middle, seven spiky stars on a bouquet as tops on it, and kangaroos and emu use their legs to help kangaroos to support the shield, all on a green grass bed with a scroll containing the motto "Advance Australia". Selection of kangaroos, emus and words, "Advance Australia" is symbolically tied up. The shield has a white background, with a Saint George red cross, a blue line outside the cross, and a blue border containing six inescutcheons showing a red chevron on white, representing six states. The Scottish Patriotic Association vocally opposed the shield design, and declared that it must show Union Jack to represent British and Irish settlers. These weapons were used by the government and appeared on sixpence coins from 1910-1963, and three times, shilling and florin from 1910 to 1936.
The 1908 weapon was redesigned in 1911, and officially given by George V on 19 September 1912. The redesign of much debate spurred the Parliament. Member for Wentworth, Willie Kelly, said:
"Emu and kangaroos are built in such a way that they barely fit into the crucifixion scene, and I think we make ourselves silly as we strive to continue the Old World tradition with some of our wild Australian wildlife creations."
Despite the objections, the kangaroos and emu who now have no legs remain shielders in the new symbol and modified to make it look more realistic. The main reason for redesign is the concern that the Australian states are not individually represented; which is achieved by showing each country's heraldic badge on the shield. The new symbol released the grass under the shield and turned the scroll into "Australia". The color in the wreath also changes from blue and white to blue and gold. The background of two Wattle Gold sprays was added, but never became an official part of the armorial bearing, although the Golden Wattle was proclaimed as Australia's national flower on August 19, 1988 by Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen.
Use
The Commonwealth symbol is an official symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia that signifies the Commonwealth's authority and ownership. Weapons are used by Australian Government departments and agencies, legal and non-regulatory authorities, Parliament and the courts and tribunals of the Commonwealth. Senators and Federal Members of the Australian Parliament may also use Weapons in their duties as members of Parliament. The emblem should not be used where it may misrepresent an official guarantee, sponsorship or support by the Commonwealth. The use of weapons by citizens or private organizations is rarely allowed; However, there are provisions for use by sports agencies and educational publications. The use of unauthorized emblem may violate Section 53 (c) (d) and (e) of the Practice of Trade Act 1974 , Section 145.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 or Section 39 2) of the Trade Marks Act 1995 . Imports of items containing weapons are also illegal in accordance with Customs Regulations (Forbidden Imports) .
There is a colorful version and nine official versions that are heraldically available for single color reproduction.
The coat of arms is the base of the Queen's Private Flag of Australia, and since 1973 a slightly modified version has been the basis of the Great Seal of Australia.
The emblem is used as a rank badge for Prison Class 1 (Army) and License Officers (Navy and Air Force). The more stylish version is used as a rank badge for Naval Officers Interviewer, Major Sgt Major Army and Air Force Warrant Officer.
State and territory symbols
See also
- Australian national colors
- Symbol of Hobart
- Flag of Australia
- Aboriginal Flag
References
External links
- Official website with more information
- National Archives of Australia. Papers relating to the Commonwealth Coat
- The Online Exhibition commemorates the Centenary of the NSW Coat of Arms 1906-2006 The NSW Coat of Arms designer William Gullick is also involved in the creation of the Australian Arms Coat of Arms
Source of the article : Wikipedia