Each city and region of our country has its own symbols. Moscow, as the ancient capital of Russia, is endowed not only with the most recognizable, but also with historically significant signs - its coat of arms and flag, which are familiar to every Russian.
Why do we need flags and emblems
Since ancient times, with the emergence of states, their designations also appeared. With their banners they went out to fight, defended their interests and defended their native places from enemy attacks. Although the tradition of having a flag and coat of arms goes back to the distant past, the idea that it is necessary for each state to have its own symbols is associated with the beginning of the 20th century. What is it for?
The flag and emblem of a country, city or state are not only its symbols, but also a special form of definition. They connect us with the history and culture of our Motherland, they are an expression of patriotism. It is the flag and emblem of the country that define us in the world, they recognize us in other countries.
What the coat of arms of Moscow looks like
A warrior-rider on a white horse is depicted on a dark red background. In his hands is a golden spear. Under the hooves of a predatory black dragon, whose knightdisarms, piercing the beast in the head.
What is the difference between the flag and coat of arms of Moscow
A flag is a canvas that has a specific range of colors that are indicated as different symbols. A coat of arms is an emblem or sign of a city, region or state, on the image of which the most significant characteristics of a particular area are indicated using symbolic meanings.
The flag and coat of arms of Moscow look virtually identical. The emblem of the rider slaying the dragon is located both there and there. The flag, unlike the coat of arms, has a rectangular shape.
What do the colors of the coat of arms mean
The red background symbolizes the memory of the soldiers who died in the battles for the Motherland. In the middle we see a warrior on a white horse. White means courage, purity of thoughts. The black dragon is the enemy forces, curling underfoot and trying to lead astray. The golden spear is we alth and greatness. Thus, the picture personifies the fearlessness of the Russian fighter and his strength.
According to one version, the color of the cloak was introduced by Nicholas II as a symbol - the Russian tricolor (the shield represents the red stripe, the mantle is blue, and the horse is white).
History of the coat of arms
The first appearance of the symbol, reminiscent of the modern flag of Moscow, dates back to the time after the victory at Kulikovo field. Then the horseman killing the dragon became the coat of arms of the Moscow principality. It was believed that he personifies the ruler. Only from the beginning of the 18th century, the image of a warrior was attributed to St. George, such a meaning was proposed by Peter the Great underinfluence of European thinkers.
With the advent of Soviet power, the flag of Moscow has sunk into oblivion for a while. Instead, an image of a hammer and sickle appeared, denoting the victory of the working class. Already in 1993, the flag of the city of Moscow again acquired pre-revolutionary features, and the familiar rider, striking the monster, again marked the capital.
Who is this warrior
George the Victorious is a native of an ancient Greek family, who is in the faithful service of the emperor. In times of terrible persecution of Christians, this warrior stood up for them, for which he was subjected to terrible torture. George asked God for help, so that he would give him the strength to withstand all the difficulties. However, the inhabitants ordered the fighter to be executed, and in 303 he died at the hands of the executioner.
Since those ancient events, May 6 is considered a memorable day of St. George the Victorious, the Great Martyr, who died for his beliefs and desire to protect the Christian world.
A lot of legends and legends were composed about George. One of them tells about the miracle of the warrior and the snake that he defeated. Once, according to legend, a snake monster lived in the vicinity of the city of Lasia, attacking and destroying local residents. The city was then ruled by a stupid and cruel king who treated Christians mercilessly. When people complained to him about the tricks of the snake, he suggested that the inhabitants give their children to the monster in turn. The ruler himself had a beautiful daughter, but for the sake of justice, she had to be put on the list to be devoured by the monster. When it was her turn, the princess went to her death. But then George caught her. Learning aboutterrible snake, he himself, without his army, went to fight him in order to save the daughter of the king and the inhabitants from torment. Having prayed to God for help, George was able to defeat the enemy with a sure blow to the head with a spear. Having dragged the stricken carcass, the warrior told the locals that faith is their main strength, which is able to withstand any difficulties.
How does this story relate to Moscow? As you know, Yuri Dolgoruky was the founder of Moscow, thanks to his deeds and perseverance, Moscow later became the capital of Russia. The name Yuri in Greek means George. This interesting coincidence for two significant people for Russian culture and history served as an excellent symbol, so it is not for nothing that George the Victorious represents the flag of the city of Moscow. After all, this is the heart of our Motherland.
Where can you see the flag of Moscow now
The symbol of the capital can be found on almost every street. Here is a flag on a high-rise in Moscow, but here it is depicted on a bus. Repeatedly it can be found in the subway and on ads. For many, this emblem is a symbol of something that belongs to the capital. Very often we can see the flag of Moscow on billboards announcing upcoming events with the support of the city government.
Any resident of Russia can notice the Victorious on the Russian coat of arms, in its very core. This tradition dates back to the sixteenth century; throughout pre-revolutionary history, the double-headed eagle with the Victorious was considered a symbol of the Russian Empire, and thenmodern Russia.
Also very often the image of the Moscow coat of arms is used on government websites or those dedicated to something metropolitan. In such cases, the flag of Moscow in the vector is used so that the picture can be superimposed harmoniously on top of the background.
