The State Emblem of Ukraine, along with the flag and anthem, is the official symbol of the state. It was approved on February 19, 1992 by the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada "On the State Emblem of Ukraine". The yellow trident on a blue background is called the small coat of arms of Ukraine, while the large one is not officially used.
Large and small coat of arms
Currently, Ukraine has two emblems - small and large, but only the first is used officially. It is an image of a golden trident on a blue background. It is believed that this is a symbol of the greatness and power of Prince Vladimir. This image was also used as a seal of the Rurik dynasty.
The large coat of arms of Ukraine exists in the form of an official bill and has not yet been approved. In addition to the trident, it depicts a Cossack with a musket, symbolizing the strength of the Zaporizhzhya Army, as well as a lion, crown, ears, etc.
It is currently unknown whether the large coat of arms of Ukraine will be approved.
Versions about the origin of the symbol
How and when the coat of arms of Ukraine was created in its current version is not exactly established. There are several hypotheses on this score. It is known that the Rurik family used two teeth and tridents as symbols. It is believed that the trident represented on the Ukrainian coat of arms has existed since the time of Prince Svyatoslav, who had a seal with this symbol. But, according to a number of historians, this symbol comes from more ancient times.
A large number of researchers believe that the trident is a monogram (the word "Will" inscribed in the trident) and that Vladimir, who baptized Russia (the son of Prince Svyatoslav), contributed to its spread. He minted coins, on one side of which there was an image of himself, and on the other - a trident. There is no documentary evidence of this version. However, if you wish, you can make out these four letters.
Other historians argue that the compilation of monograms was not typical for that period of the history of Russia. Some researchers believe that a falcon diving for prey is encrypted in the trident. This bird was considered in the culture of Russia as a symbol of justice, military courage, princely power and wisdom.
The coat of arms of Ukraine has something in common with its flag - both state symbols include two colors - yellow and blue.
The history of the coat of arms as it stands
The modern history of the coat of arms began in 1917, when M. S. Grushevsky, a historian who at that time was chairman of the Central Rada, proposed introducing this symbol, arguing that it was the seal of Prince Vladimir. The coat of arms was approved and officially recognized by the Rada in 1918. The original version was slightly different from the modern one - the trident had a more golden hue and was surrounded by a green ornament.
During the Soviet era, the stylization of the Ukrainian SSR changed somewhat. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the old version was again chosen for the coat of arms - a yellow trident on a blue background.
