Latvia’s national coat of arms was established as a symbol of independent statehood after the proclamation of an independent Latvian Republic in 1918. The coat of arms combines traditional heraldic symbols of Latvian national identity with those of historical territorial districts. The sun is a central symbol in Latvian culture, particularly in songs, poetry and art, and here symbolizes Latvian national statehood. Even before achieving independence, a stylized sun was used as a national symbol on uniforms worn by the Latvian Rilfemen who served in the Czarist Russian army during World War I. The 17 rays of the rising sun represented the 17 Latvian-inhabited districts of the Czarist Empire.

The three stars above the coat of arms represent the three historical districts (Vidzeme, Latgale and Kurzeme-Zemgale) which formed a united Latvia. These culturally important regions are also symbolized by historic heraldic figures that date back to the early 17th century. The western Latvian regions of Kurzeme and Zemgale are represented by a red lion, a symbol used by the Duke of Kurzeme (Courland) as early as 1569. Latvia’s eastern regions of Vidzeme and Latgale are represented by a silver griffin.  This mythological winged creature with an eagle’s head first appeared in 1566 when this part of Latvia came under Polish-Lithuanian control.

The Latvian national coat of arms was designed by Latvian artist Rihards Zariņš. The proper display of the three versions of the coat of arms  - large, small enhanced and small - is regulated by Latvian law. 

The Large Coat of Arms

The large coat of arms can be used by the State President, Parliament, Prime Minister, Cabinet of Ministers, government ministries, the Supreme Court and Prosecutor General, as well as Latvia’s diplomatic and consular missions.

The Small Enhanced Coat of Arms

The small enhanced coat of arms can be used by agencies of the Parliament, Cabinet of Ministers and other institutions under direct or indirect supervision of the government ministries.

The Small Coat of Arms

The small coat of arms can be used by other government institutions, municipal authorities and educational institutions on official documents.

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Further information

National arms of Latvia - International Civic Heraldry site
http://www.ngw.nl/int/lat/lv-nat.htm

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© The Latvian Institute
This fact sheet can be freely printed from homepage of the Latvian Institute, distributed and cited, on condition that the Latvian Institute is acknowledged as the source. The Latvian Institute promotes knowledge about Latvia abroad. It produces publications, in several languages, on many aspects of Latvia.