Here stands the Escudo Nacional. Do you see the ubiquitous Argentinian flag everywhere? The National Coat of Arms is almost as common. It is seen all over Buenos Aires, especially on government and official buildings.
The Escudo Nacional or Coat of Arms of the Argentine Republic exists in its current version since 1944. Its roots lie in pre-independence Argentina and revolutionary France. The rising Sun of May is at the top. It is also found in the center of the national flag. It represents the rising of the Argentine nation.
Inside the oval of the Escudo Nacional, two hands are shaking. They stand for the unity of the provinces. They come together to hold a pike. This represents their willingness to defend freedom. Freedom is symbolized by the Phrygian cap on the pike’s tip.
The Phrygian cap was worn by freed slaves in Ancient Rome. Since the end of the 18th Century, it has been a symbol of liberty. The French adopted it as their revolutionary icon. It is found on flags of many Latin American countries. Examples are Bolivia and Colombia. It also appears on the state flags of New York and New Jersey. Look closely. You can even see it on the seal of the US Senate.
The coat of arms of Buenos Aires Province was declared official on October 19, 1935. This was by Law 4351. It is similar to the arms of Argentina. Its origins are in the seal of the General Constituent Assembly of 1813.
In 1813, the Assembly designed the shield. It would replace the Spanish one. The Nation and the Province retained that of the Assembly. In 1880, the city of Buenos Aires became the capital of the Republic. The province continued to use the shield of the Assembly.
In 1935, ornaments were officially determined. They are similar to those of the national shield. But there are some differences. The sun’s rays are straight. The branches are not equal. Laurel is on the left and olive tree on the right. They are symbols of victory and peace. The blue and white ribbon binds the branches differently.
Every March 12, Argentina celebrates the Day of the National Emblem. This commemorates its creation and declaration as a national emblem in 1813. The Argentine Coat of Arms is a faithful reproduction. It is of the Seal used by the Sovereign General Constituent Assembly of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. This was also known as the Assembly of the Year XIII.
Before the Assembly of the Year XIII, the Viceroyalty used the royal arms. They served as a seal on official documents. The need for its own emblem led to a new insignia. This gave rise to the current Argentine Coat of Arms.
There are no confirmed sources about the origin of the Coat of Arms. Some attribute the design to Antonio Isidro de Castro. Others suggest Bernardo de Monteagudo. The design has similarities with a coat of arms used during the French Revolution. This suggests the model was taken from there.
Manuel Belgrano used the Coat of Arms as a central symbol. He was one of Argentina’s heroes. He used it for the emancipating troops. This contributed to its recognition. Towns and provincial governments saw it as a representation of the incipient Argentine State.
In 1944, the National Executive Power made the seal of the Assembly official. It became a representation of the Argentine national emblem. This gave it uniformity. The Argentine national emblem is a work of symbolism. It reminds us of unity, freedom, victory and national identity. These are key in the history and spirit of the nation. The Escudo Nacional stands as a symbol of identity, independence, and freedom.