Coat of Arms of Georgia: History, Flag Meaning and Five Crosses

The flag of Georgia, also known as the "five-cross flag," was adopted in January 2004. January 14 marks National Flag Day, the day the Georgian Parliament approved the law "On the National Flag of Georgia" following the Rose Revolution. On the same day, a white and red flag was raised over the parliament building, replacing the old symbol—the dogwood-colored flag of the first Georgian republic with black and white stripes.

It is a white cloth with five red crosses, the central part of which is divided into four fields by the St. George's Cross. In the center of each field is a single Bolnisi Cross. This Christian symbol represents Jesus Christ and the four apostles. The five crosses combined into one symbol may also symbolize the wounds of Christ, which He received during the Crucifixion.

You can learn more about the history of the Georgian flag's changes over the centuries, as well as the flags of Georgian cities and municipalities, in the article "All Flags of Georgia."

Researchers note that this symbolism was discovered in the ruins of the 6th-century Nekri Church, as well as in later church structures. The red cross of St. George was supposedly used in the 5th century by the Georgian king Vakhtang Gorgasali. Queen Tamar is believed to have used a flag with a dark red cross and star on a white field.

White symbolizes purity, innocence, and wisdom, while red symbolizes courage, bravery, and love.

Before this flag was adopted by the Georgian Parliament as the national flag, it was used by Mikheil Saakashvili's National Movement. The national coat of arms of Georgia was adopted on October 1, 2004.

The coat of arms was designed by Mamuka Gongadze, Deputy Chairman of the State Council of Heraldry under the Parliament of Georgia.

The Flag and Coat of Arms of Georgia

The coat of arms of Georgia is a red shield with a silver figure of Saint George. Saint George is the most revered saint in Georgia. The patron saint of Georgia is depicted on horseback, slaying a dragon with a spear.

According to the artist, this symbol represents the Christian traditions and fighting spirit of the Georgian people, and also directly expresses the country's name, which is pronounced "George" in many languages.

The shield is surmounted by a golden crown, which was used in the royal coats of arms of the Bagrationi dynasty. The shield is supported by two golden lions, a constant element on the coats of arms of Georgian kings. Below the shield is a ribbon with the motto "Strength in Unity."

The law establishing the state symbols of Georgia was adopted in 2018.

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