|
The Italian Coat of Arms |
|
|
Italy's
current arms date back to 1948. At the center is a white
star with a red
border stemming from arms of
previous kingdoms. The tips pointing downwards symbolize Italy as
a united
state. During the years of the kingdom, it was referred to as the "big
star of Italy". The star was later superimposed on a gear
which symbolizes work. The Italian constitution states
that Italy is a country based on
[common] work. The star and
gear are supported by an olive branch,
a symbol of peace also symbolizing the southern part of the
country, and an oak branch,
a symbol of strength also symbolizing the northern part of the
country. A red ribbon
includes the official name of the state, "REPUBBLICA
ITALIANA" in
white capital characters. |