National coat of arms of Costa Rica
The official
coat of arms of the Republic of Costa Rica
was designed in 1848, with modifications in 1906, 1964, and 1998. The latest change was the addition of smoke to distinguish the three volcanoes.
[2]
Pre-1821 colony of Spanish Empire
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Before 1821,
Costa Rica
was part of the
Spanish Empire
and did not have a local coat of arms. The arms of the reigning monarch were used instead. The only city that had a local coat of arms was the city of
Cartago
, awarded by King
Phillip II
in 1565. After its independence from
Spain
in 1821, Costa Rica established different government boards trying to decide its future, debating between being independent (republicans) or join the
Mexican Empire
(imperialists). Lack of decision led to the
Battle of Ochomogo
on 5 April 1823, with the decision to remain independent and moving the capital city from Cartago to San Jose. Due to the long distances and difficult communication at the time, imperialists realized the Mexican Empire no longer existed since March 1823.
Federal and state arms
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In March 1824, when Costa Rica joined the
United Provinces of Central America
arms promulgated by the new republic's constitution became the arms of the State of Costa Rica. This coat of arms consists of a triangle, in which five volcanoes rise out of the sea symbolizing the five member states of the United Provinces; above the volcanoes is a shining red
Phrygian cap
and a
rainbow
. This coat of arms with small changes is still used by the national coat of arms of
El Salvador
and
Nicaragua
.
On 2 November 1824, Costa Rica adopted its first coat of arms as a state within the federation which showed the right side of a naked male's chest and extended arm surrounded by a circle of green mountains and the legend free state of Costa Rica.
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Arms of an independent state
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In 1840, after Costa Rica's withdrawal from the federation, a new coat of arms was adopted, the first for Costa Rica as a sovereign and independent state. It consisted of an eight-pointed shining star in a blue field surrounded by a yellow circle with the legend State of Costa Rica. This coat of arms was suppressed in 1842 by
Francisco Morazan
during his failed bid to reunite the
Federal Republic of Central America
. The 1824 arms were used during this period.
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Historical coat of arms of the republic
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The basis of the current national coat of arms of Costa Rica was adopted 29 September 1848, during the presidency of Dr
Jose Maria Castro Madriz
together with the new flag. Both designs are attributed to Pacifica Fernandez, wife of Mr Castro Madriz. These arms were significantly modified by law number 18 of 27 November 1906, which eliminated the military symbols, national flags and horn of plenty contained in the 1848 design.
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In 1964 two stars were added to the original five in order to complete seven, which by then was the number of provinces of the country. In 1848, when the original design was adopted the current provinces of
Puntarenas
and
Limon
had not reached that status.
[3]
On 5 May 1998, by Executive Decree No. 26853-SP, the coat of arms was given its current form, including the smoking volcanoes. Before this date, the three mountains did not show smoke coming out of their tops.
As officially described, the coat of arms represents: three volcanoes (one for each of the three mountain ranges in the country) and an extensive valley between two oceans (Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea) with a merchant ship in each one (representing the maritime history of the country). In the horizon a rising sun. All are surrounded by a golden frame with golden beads (coffee). Two palms close the arms joined by a white ribbon with the motto "Republica de Costa Rica" in gold. An arch of seven stars represent the provinces of the republic. The arms are crowned by a blue ribbon with the motto "America Central".
[2]
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Coat of arms of the Federal Republic of Central America from 1823 to November 1824
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Coat of arms of the Federal Republic of Central America from November 1824 to November 1840
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Coat of arms of the Free State of Costa Rica within the Federal Republic of Central America from 2 November 1824 to 15 November 1840. Also used again by the independent state of Costa Rica from September 1842 to September 1848
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Coat of arms of the independent State of Costa Rica from April 1840 to April 1842
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Coat of arms of Costa Rica from September 1848 to November 1906
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Coat of arms of Costa Rica from November 1906 to 1964
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Coat of arms of Costa Rica from 1964 to 1998
See also
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References
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External links
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Media related to
Coats of arms of Costa Rica
at Wikimedia Commons
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