Coat of arms of Kiev: description and use

The coat of arms of Kiev is the main heraldic symbol of the Ukrainian capital. When was it approved? Who is depicted on it, in what spheres is it possible to use it? The answers to these questions can be found in our article.

Kiev - the oldest city in Europe

The mother of Russian cities is often referred to as the capital of Ukraine. This is one of the oldest settlements in Europe. For its history the city of Kiev served as the capital of seven state entities: from Kievan Rus to modern independent Ukraine.

The cultural, political, scientific and Orthodox center of the country is located on both banks of the Dnieper River. By population, it is second only to five cities in Europe. The city of Kiev has its official symbols - a coat of arms, a flag and a hymn. Next we will talk about the Kiev coat of arms and its history. Let's get acquainted with this symbol.

The coat of arms of Kiev and its history

The oldest image of the Kiev coat of arms has survived to our days and is dated 1480. From that moment until the end of the eighteenth century, historians say, the coat of arms of the city of Kiev changed at least five times. Almost on each of them appeared a bow (later a crossbow).

During the Russian Empire, Kiev received its new coat of arms, which is still in use today. It was depicted (on azure background) Archangel Michael - a well-known biblical character. The coat of arms was approved in 1782, and the sculpture of the patron of Kiev adorns today the Independence Square.

During the short era of the UPR, in 1917-1919, a new version of the emblem for the capital of the republic was developed. On it, all the same Archangel Michael held in his hands a shield with the image of the trident of Vladimir the Great - the modern coat of arms of Ukraine.

The Soviet government approved a new coat of arms for the capital of the Ukrainian SSR. On a red-blue background, a flowering branch of a chestnut, and also a silver bow was depicted. Above, the coat of arms was crowned with the main Soviet symbol - a sickle and a hammer, and a gold star was depicted from below as a sign that Kiev has the status of a hero city. Also, it was inscribed with the inscription "Kiev". In general, the Soviet variant absolutely did not comply with the heraldic rules and was more like an emblem than a coat of arms.

In 1995, according to the relevant decision of the Kiev Council, the city was returned to the emblem of the times of the Russian Empire with the archangel Michael on the shield. He is considered the patron of the city.

Coat of arms of Kiev: modern description

The modern Kiev coat of arms has the following description: on a blue shield the archistratigus Michael is depicted in a silver garment and with a golden halo. In his right hand he holds a golden sword, and in the left he has an oval shield.

The armorial shield has an unusual shape: it is not sharpened downwards, as usual, but smoothly rounded. Above it is crowned with a golden stone crown with three prongs.

In addition to the main city, each of the administrative districts of the city of Kiev also has its own coat of arms. And on six of them, too, the archangel Michael is depicted.

Using the City Emblem

May 27, 1995 the renewed coat of arms of Kiev was solemnly installed on the building of the city mayor's office. According to the relevant provision, it must be installed:

• On the facade of the building of the Kyiv City Administration;
• In the session hall of the Kyiv City Hall;
• In halls and rooms where official meetings or negotiations of the Kiev head are held;
• On the facades of the railway, river and bus stations;
• At the main entrances to the capital (on special stands).

In all other cases, it can be used only with the permission of the head of the Kyiv City Council.

The stamped image is also used on the official flag of the city. We will tell about it a little.

The flag of Kiev

The modern flag of the city was also approved in May 1995. On the blue rectangular panel depicts the archangel Michael - the patron of Kiev. In one hand he holds a golden sword, in the other he has an oval shield. The flag's flag is edged with a yellow frame and has standard dimensions (ratio of sides - 2: 3).

In March 2009, the appearance of the Kiev flag was slightly changed. The main difference was that the blue panel depicted the archangel Michael with a sword and a crossbow, crowned with a golden brick crown (as on the coat of arms of the city).

Finally...

Now you know who is depicted on the coat of arms of Kiev - the official symbol of the Ukrainian capital. This is the archangel Michael - a famous character, found in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The modern coat of arms of Kiev was approved in 1995.