Coat of any settlement - this is a real story about the origin, formation and development of each individual community.Typically, these characters appear wealth of people living in a certain area, told about their bravery and valiant feats.
Coat of Irkutsk has its own unique history, combining the bizarre twists of fate and unusual errors royal officials.
historical aspect
XVII century was marked by an important event for Russia - at that time a mighty power was annexed a vast area of Siberia.Already at that time in the Siberian seals represented the main asset of the land in the form of fur-bearing animals.The coat of arms of the Siberian kingdom was a picture in which the two magnificent sable holding in paws crown.It is this motif was later borrowed to create symbols of Irkutsk.However, in 1642 the city itself did not exist, but the first prototype appeared on the coat of arms print customs: image leopard, who caught and keeps teeth sable.
It is this picture and then got on the coat of arms of Irkutsk and its official seal.At the end of the 80s of the 17th century the city gained importance, became the center of the province.And here is the official emblem of the settlement was Feb. 18, 1690, and it represented a next image, "a beaver in a silver field, running through the green grass, pointing to the left side frame of the shield, and the jaws of his sable."
Brave beast
clear that creating symbols of a given region, the author tries to highlight its wealth.And what kind of animal on the coat of arms of Irkutsk?For a long time on this matter were different assumptions from the fictional mythical character to a completely normal leopards.
In fact, this situation will clarify the characteristics of the descendants of the coat of arms: "Babr - this is a very rare animal that is found in Siberia and is distinguished by its superiority over other animals.He is brave, strong, has no natural enemies.His white-yellowish fur located blackish stripes.The increase was not more than usual wolf.Animals do not go his trail.Though the leopard and the Babri similar, but much weaker as a predator. "
nothing like?But scientists have concluded that the description of the story is about a tiger who lived in the Trans-Baikal region and met in the Irkutsk region.That's when it became clear who is depicted on the emblem of Irkutsk.It is not a mythical creature, a dangerous predator, fur is considered priceless and very rare in the European part of Russia.
Errors artist
note that the classical heraldry require compliance with certain canons in creating the coat of arms of the settlement.Europeans represented the so-called identification marks for the Knights, who participated in the tournament.The picture was on the board, she had to intimidate the opponent, and the animal must attack and run to the right side.Otherwise, the symbol lost its fearsome role.The beast ran like, give up.It is these moments and have not been addressed by the artist, who in the 18th century created the coat of arms of Irkutsk.Description of this picture gives an idea of a failed idea: being sable powers, was hardly formidable Babri, it is rather like a skinny cat who "ran away" (looking to the left side).
new symbol of the region
history of the coat of arms of Irkutsk was not finished on the failure embodiment.For the second half of the 19th century artist BVKen, taking into account the significant shortcomings of the image, presented a new interpretation of the image.Wizard, create a new image, at the time headed the Department of Heraldry.He came to this case very seriously, having studied the background appearance of the first print image of the mighty beast.The new emblem was distinguished as follows:
- completely changed the image of a predator beast became a powerful and strong, though leopard or a tiger looked like he did not.Black creature was more like a mystical cat with a fluffy tail raised and webbed hind feet.
- Sable became larger and acquired a bright red color.
- Babr, according to the rules of heraldry, was deployed on the right side.
- background it was decided to leave unchanged - green grass.
However, here again the coat of arms of Irkutsk pursued an unfortunate mistake - in the description of symbols Ken made a mistake: instead of the word "beaver" was used "Beaver," which radically changes its meaning.Thus was born the mythical image of the unknown animal.But the meaning of the image as the author explained: rich Siberian land gives all their precious reserves.Meant sable fur, which is greatly appreciated.
little later, were added to the image of the following items: picture frame made of oak leaves, twisted ribbon of St. Andrew's, and led the emblem adorned the royal crown.
modern way
Coat interpretation Ken was used for a long time and fell in love with the residents of both the city and the whole province.It can be seen on postcards even pre-revolutionary Russia.However, in the Soviet era image of the crown and St. Andrew's tape has been removed, but the picture has not changed.And in the years 1960-1980.coat of arms proudly flaunted on the Angara River (between the railway station and the bridge).
Recent changes
More recently, in 1997, the State finally adopted the emblem herald Irkutsk.At the same time a symbol of the area is virtually identical to the provincial prototype abolished a tape, the crown and leaves.But the symbol of Irkutsk was a real stumbling block between the experts and the authorities Heraldry City Council.Experts in the study of ancient symbols insisted on keeping the image intact (ie babr looking to the right), but the Duma insisted on "escaping" to the left of the beast.And so was born a new paradox - symbols of the region and the city is now looking in different directions.
Afterword
Although the coat of arms underwent changes for centuries, changing the image of the beast, and the direction of the people living in this city and region, honor and respect his character.Through artful interlacing of events and even trivial errors born a true masterpiece.Only Irkutsk people can boast of a mythical beast, who no longer see any one image in the world!
