Each large settlement in our country has its own official symbolism. When and under what circumstances did the Kursk coat of arms appear? We will try to find the right answer to this question and explain its meaning according to the heraldic rules and canons.
History reference
According to historical documents, the Kursk coat of arms was approved by Catherine II in 1780. What is curious, in the same form, this symbol is present in the Signed Stamp of 1729. When did the Kursk coat of arms actually appear? During archaeological excavations in Pskov, a casting made of copper was discovered. On one of its sides you can see the recognizable image of the coat of arms of Kursk. On the other hand there is an inscription “City of Kursk, 1700”. Accordingly, we can conclude that this symbol has existed for at least three centuries.
Description of the coat of arms and flag of Kursk
What does the Kursk coat of arms look like? This is a French rectangular shield with a sharp base. The main field of gray (silver) color is obliquely crossed by a blue stripe, which shows three flying partridges of white color. The birds fell on the state symbol of the city for a reason. Once in the Kursk region there really were many partridges. According to some historians, a large population of these birds gave the city a name, but this theory is not confirmed.
From the point of view of heraldry, the chosen color scheme is of great importance for any sign. The silver color in the Kursk coat of arms indicates the kindness and purity of thoughts of citizens. Blue color symbolizes softness, grandeur and truth. In its full version, the symbol of Kursk is framed by golden oak leaves entwined with a blue ribbon. On top of the shield is a crown crowned with red ribbons connecting with oak garlands. Many other coats of arms of Russian cities are formed in a similar way.
Kursk is proud of its own flag. This is a rectangular, horizontally located panel with an aspect ratio of 2: 3. In the upper and lower parts of the flag are equal red stripes. In the central part there are three narrower stripes of silver, yellow and black. Red stripes symbolize the continuity of time. Silver indicates the spirituality of the population, yellow - about developed agriculture, and black - about the fertility of local lands. In the central part of the flag we see the emblem of the city, framed by oak leaves and crowned with a crown.
Coat of arms of Kursk in the USSR
With the advent of Soviet power, many geographical names and official symbols of settlements were changed. What is interesting: the Kursk coat of arms was not subjected to significant changes. In addition to partridges, a shield, a half gear and a spool of thread appeared on the shield, which symbolize the industry of the region, developing at an accelerated pace. At the top of the shield was the name of the city.
In this form, the Kursk coat of arms lasted until 1992, after which the historical version of the main city symbol was officially approved.
Interesting facts about the symbolism of the Kursk region
According to some unofficial sources, during the Soviet era, not all officials were satisfied with the appearance of the Kursk coat of arms. One of the artists who worked on its adjustment came up with a brilliant explanation. He proposed to consider the image of white birds as a symbol of unity of the three main leaders of the communist movement. So partridges turned into comrades of Marx, Lenin and Stalin. Today the Kursk coat of arms, the description of which you can find in our article, is again a symbol of its region and people, and not a political idea. The historical sign reflects the history and features of this area.