Written by Otto Saayman
Uploaded by Otto Saayman
THE NATIONAL COAT OF ARMS

A National Coat of Arms is the highest visual symbol of the State. Absolute authority is given to every document with an impression of the Coat of Arms on it, as this means that the President of South Africa has approved it.

The symbolism of the new Coat of Arms
The motto ? in a green semicircle is: IKE E: /XARRA //KE, written in the Khoisan language of the /XAM people and it literally means:? diverse people unite?.

Elephant tusks ? symbolize wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity.

The ears of wheat ? in the oval shape formed by the tusks ? symbolize fertility, growth and the development of potential, the nourishment of people and the agricultural aspects of the earth.

The shield ? the shape of the gold shield is drum-like. It has a dual (double) function: the display of identity and of spiritual defense.

The human figures from Khoisan Art ? derived from images of San Rock Art demonstrated in an attitude of greeting and unity, symbolizing Unity in Diversity.

The spear and knobkierie ? dual (double) symbols of defence and authority ? also represent the powerful legs of the Secretary bird. The spear and knobkierie are lying down, symbolizing peace.

The Protea An emblem of the beauty of our land and the flowering of our potential as a nation in pursuit of the African Renaissance.

The Secretary bird ? characterized in flight ? the natural consequence of growth and speed. It is a messenger of the heavens and conducts its grace upon earth, so in this sense it is a symbol of divine majesty. Its uplifted wings are an emblem of the soaring of our nation, while simultaneously offering us its protection.

The rising sun ? a symbol of brightness and glow. It symbolizes the promise of rebirth, the active faculties of reflection, good judgment and willpower. It is the symbol of the source of life, of light and the ultimate wholeness of mankind.

The complete structure of the Coat of Arms combines the lower and higher circles in a symbol of infinity (time without end). The path of the lower edge of the scroll connects with the lines of the tusks and the horizon above where the sun rises. This forms the shape of the cosmic egg from which the Secretary bird rises. It symbolizes the rebirth of our great and heroic nation.

Comments

Last edited on Thursday 3 August 2017 11:31
South African National Coat of Arms
Google SkyScraper
Your IP address has been recorded as 3.236.101.52. Session reference b689c01b-edce-11ee-9722-9600003572f7.