The main official symbol of this Russian region contains one very rare element for such images - a blessing hand emerging from a white cloud. The rest of the symbols that adorn the coat of arms are quite common in world heraldry.

Description of the coat of arms of the region

Looking at any color photo of the coat of arms of the region, you can see that the authors of the sketch used two primary colors and several additional colors. The main role is played by the very popular in heraldry - azure and gold, the first is used for the background of the shield and ribbon, the second - for the image of the elements present on the shield and in the frame. The compositional construction of the heraldic sign of the Pskov region is traditional, there are the following complexes:

• French azure shield with two important elements;
• in the frame - a wreath of lush oak branches with leaves and acorns, intertwined with an azure St. Andrew's ribbon;
• precious imperial crown above the shield.

Naturally, all the elements appeared on the heraldic symbol not by chance, each has its own role and meaning. The leopard has traditionally been present on historical coats of arms, emblems or seals. One of the earliest surviving images of a leopard can be seen on the seal of Ivan IV.

In the Titularnik of 1672, there is a striped predator on the emblem, and with its tongue hanging out (this detail can also be seen on the modern symbol of the Pskov region). In the same image, the blessing right hand appears for the first time.

Catherine II, who had a hand in the birth of many Russian coats of arms, by her decree approved the official symbol of Pskov. According to this document, it was the leopard that was depicted in the azure field.

Symbolism of the heraldic sign

The appearance of the leopard on the coat of arms of the Pskov region is quite justified. This is a formidable animal, ready to attack and repel the attack of the enemy. It is known that the Pskov lands have always been a reliable barrier for the Swedes, more than once the inhabitants of the region frustrated the plans of unfriendly neighbors. The raised paw of the beast and the protruding tongue are symbols of purposefulness, focus on the enemy.

The blessing right hand (the position of the fingers - index and middle are retracted, the rest are folded) is a symbol of the patronage of divine forces. Also associated with additional protection that enhances the power of the leopard.

The crown is a symbol of strength state power, an oak wreath is traditionally associated in heraldry with longevity, reliability, grandeur.

Date of adoption: 05/28/1781

Description:
The historical coat of arms of Pskov is "a leopard in a blue field, and above it a hand emerging from the clouds." There are conflicting opinions about which animal was originally depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Pskov. The earliest description in time is in the "Painting to all Sovereign seals" of 1626, where it is said: "Pskov seal: leopard, land under the leopard." But in the decree of 1666 on the manufacture of the so-called armorial banner of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, there is such a description: "The Pskov seal, a lynx running on it." Nevertheless, most sources call the beast placed on the coat of arms a leopard. So, the emblem of the city of Pskov leopard is on state seal 1583 Ivan the Terrible. In the Title Book of 1672, a blessing hand emerging from a cloud was added to the image of the leopard - this composition is repeated in all later drawings of the coat of arms. The Pskov leopard is placed on the state seal in the diary of 1698 by the Austrian diplomat Korb. There is also a leopard in the drawing for the regimental banner of 1729, and there is still a description for it: "... Pskov - in the old way: a leopard - and above it a hand from a cloud: it stands on green ground, an azure field."

Leopard- a symbol of courage, courage, courage, a reminder that Pskov was a suburb of Novgorod. Its golden color indicates wealth, justice, generosity.

blessing hand(having the index and middle fingers extended, and the others folded) means the patronage of the heavenly forces.

Blue (azure) field- a sign of beauty, grandeur, originality of places.

The modern coat of arms is based on the coat of arms of 1781.

Source: http://geraldika.ru

Anthem of the city of Pskov

Words by S. Zolottsev, Music by N. Mishukov

Where Pskov rushes to the Great,
Where Russia is alive in people -
Our beloved city has risen,
The saint forever kept by Olga.

Glittering gold crosses.

The ringing of the bell floats into the sky.
Our free city lives forever.
Dashing years will disappear like smoke.
We will revive the glory of Russia.

A leopard shines over every tower.
Glittering gold crosses.
Forever be glorified, yesterday's Pskov!
Hello forever, new Pskov!

Thunder will not overturn time
Our stronghold is stone Krom.
Fed and fed by the power of the earth,
Plowman and warrior, Pskov is our native.

A leopard shines over every tower.
Glittering gold crosses.
Forever be glorified, yesterday's Pskov!
Hello forever, new Pskov!

The leopard is a symbol of bravery, bravery, courage. Predatory animals were often depicted on Pskov emblems and seals. So, on the seal of Ivan IV, he runs to the left, on the cover (after 1626) the same predator, but rushing to the right. The Pskov seal of 1666-1678 depicts a running lynx, in the Titulyarnik of 1672 - a walking striped predatory beast with its tongue hanging out, a blessing hand appears for the first time from a cloud. Finally, by decree of Catherine II on May 28, 1781, the predatory beast is finally determined, it became the leopard. The coat of arms of Pskov read: "In a blue field there is a leopard, and above it a hand emerging from a cloud." Approved on December 8, 1856, the coat of arms of the Pskov province repeats the previously adopted coat of arms of the city of Pskov.

The appearance of a predatory beast is not accidental. Located on the western border of the Russian land, the city became the foremost fortress in the struggle of the Russian people against the aggression of the German feudal knights, from the middle of the XIII century the Livonian Order, and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Until the beginning of the 16th century, the city withstood 26 sieges.

In 1510 he became part of the Russian centralized state. But the wars went on and on. In 1581, Pskov successfully repulsed the siege of the 50,000-strong army of the king of the Commonwealth, Stefan Batory. As a result, Batory's aggressive plans for Russia were thwarted. In 1615, the city fought off a months-long siege by the Swedish troops. The result was the liberation of the Russian lands seized by the aggressors. So for many centuries Pskov reliably guarded the Russian lands from the west, it was always in a state of combat readiness.

The mighty and formidable leopard symbolizes this readiness to meet enemies fully armed, the courage and courage of the Pskovites, who leave no hope for any aggressor. The posture of the beast, protruding tongue and raised front paw emphasize its focus on the enemy.

The blessing hand (having the index and middle fingers extended, and the others folded) means the patronage of the heavenly powers. And it seems to enhance the defensive function of the leopard.

The blue (azure) color of the shield and ribbons is a sign of beauty, greatness.

The crown is a symbol of power.

It is based on the historical emblems of the Pskov land for the period from the 17th-19th centuries. (in an azure field a golden leopard; above it is a right hand emerging from silver clouds).

Territorial crown of a special type, corresponding to the status of the Pskov region as a subject Russian Federation, as well as reflecting the fact that in the past the Pskov Principality was located on the territory of the region, and at the present time the region is a border territory.

The motto is "PULL FOR THE FATHERLAND". The motto is based on the phrase of the holy noble prince Dovmont, said by him in 1266 during the gathering of the militia against the Lithuanian prince Gerden and recorded in the Chronicle: "... my brothers ... pull for the house of the Holy Trinity and for the holy churches, for your fatherland."

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Coat of arms history

The history of the coat of arms goes back to the times when our ancestors were warlike and spent most of their time in battles. There are no knights for a long time, modern soldiers do not use shields, but the coats of arms remain. Cities and entire states began to acquire them. Our city also has its own coat of arms. It depicts what Pskov is famous for, proud of, cherishes. This is the modern coat of arms of Pskov

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Coat of arms of Pskov