Coat of arms of Aruba
Encyclopedia
The coat of arms
of Aruba
was originally designed in Amsterdam
in 1955. Since then it has been in use as the national symbol of Aruba. The symbol has seven main elements:
Coat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
of Aruba
Aruba
Aruba is a 33 km-long island of the Lesser Antilles in the southern Caribbean Sea, located 27 km north of the coast of Venezuela and 130 km east of Guajira Peninsula...
was originally designed in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
in 1955. Since then it has been in use as the national symbol of Aruba. The symbol has seven main elements:
- The lionLion (heraldry)The lion is a common charge in heraldry. It traditionally symbolises bravery, valour, strength, and royalty, since traditionally, it is regarded as the king of beasts.-Attitudes:...
crestCrest (heraldry)A crest is a component of an heraldic display, so called because it stands on top of a helmet, as the crest of a jay stands on the bird's head....
symbolizes power and generosity. - A white crossCrossA cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two lines or bars perpendicular to each other, dividing one or two of the lines in half. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally; if they run obliquely, the design is technically termed a saltire, although the arms of a saltire need not meet...
divides the shield into quarters, and represents devotion and faith.- In the first quarter is an aloeAloeAloe , also Aloë, is a genus containing about 500 species of flowering succulent plants. The most common and well known of these is Aloe vera, or "true aloe"....
plant, the island's first important export. - In the second quarter, HooibergHooibergHooiberg is a 168 m high volcanic formation on the island of Aruba. It is located almost in the center of the island and can be seen from virtually anywhere on the island....
, Aruba's most recognizable and second highest hill, represents Aruba rising out of the sea. - The third quarter depicts hands shaking, symbolic of Aruba's good relations with the world.
- In the fourth quarter, a cogwheel represents industry.
- In the first quarter is an aloe
- Below the shield is a pair of laurelBay LaurelThe bay laurel , also known as sweet bay, bay tree, true laurel, Grecian laurel, laurel tree, or simply laurel, is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with green, glossy leaves, native to the Mediterranean region. It is the source of the bay leaf used in cooking...
branches, traditional symbols of peace and friendship.