The Cali coat of arms has been an official symbol of the city since June 17, 1559, when Princess Juana of Austria granted a Royal Decree on behalf of King Felipe II of Spain.
The shield shows seven mountains, the middle one being the highest. On the left is a small town between two rivers whose buildings are gold.
The vegetation that surrounds this town is exuberant. Two boats and a canoe are seen sailing on the river.
This coat of arms is more than four centuries old. However, it has not been unfazed since its inception. It has undergone a series of minor changes in the shape, color and arrangement of the figures.
For example, the mountains have been made in brown, green and blue. The waters of the rivers have been pure blue, blue with silver flashes and silver with blue flashes.
History
The coat of arms of Santiago de Cali was named the official symbol of the city on June 17, 1559. This was done through a Royal Decree issued by Princess Juana of Austria, regent of Spain, from the city of Valladolid.
This Royal Decree was issued in response to the request of Francisco Ponce, who requested that a coat of arms be granted to the city of Santiago de Cali.
This request was made based on the fact that having a coat of arms had become a tradition among the Spanish colonies in America.
It was established that the shield would have seven rock formations the color of the earth, the one in the center being the highest of all.
The image would also show a city of gold located between two rivers of blue and silver water. Two boats and a canoe would meet in the water currents, sailing with their oars.
Description of the shield according to the Royal Decree
In the Royal Certificate of 1599 the coat of arms of Santiago de Cali is described. Pray like this:
“… It is our will that now and from now on that said city has and has for its known weapons a shield that has seven earth-colored mogotes inside it; that the middle one is higher than the others, and to the right hand of the lower part is a city of gold between two rivers and green trees, and at the bottom of said shield is a sea port with a ship, supply at the mouth of the said river that leaves the said mogote and enters the sea, and with other ships the said above, with some canoes with their oars in blue waters and benches, according to what is painted here and depicted on the shield as this, which weapons do we give to this said city… "
Changes
Traditionally, the shape of the Cali coat of arms is Aragonese, which means that it is straight at the top and curved at the bottom.
However, sometimes the shield has been made following the Italian form that resembles a scroll with rolled edges.
The current form of the shield is the Aragonese with gold ornaments. At the top there is an inscription that reads "1559".
On the other hand, at first it was established that the color of the mountains would be brown, while the waters of the rivers would be blue with white sparkles.
However, today the mountains are blue and the waters are white with blue reflections.
The element that has remained stable is the color of the town, which has always been represented in different shades of gold.
Applications
The Royal Decree of 1559 also established the possible uses that could be given to the coat of arms of the city.
For example, it was established that it could be embroidered on banners, printed on stamps, seals, legal documents, among others.
Currently, the mayor of Santiago de Cali has established certain regulations that regulate the use of the blazon. In accordance with these standards, the shield can be used:
- Printed on stamps, decorations, regulations and other official publications, stamps and letterheads.
- In the communications and other articles made by the Municipal Administration of the city, such as banners, official correspondence, letterheads, among others.
- Painted in municipal buildings.
- In the official propaganda of the municipality.
- On the Cali flag.
The mayor's office has also established cases in which the city's coat of arms cannot be used.
The shield cannot be used in propaganda for political parties, nor as a symbol of any type of association other than the Cali mayor's office, such as unions and private organizations.
Meaning
The vessels represented in the shield are European. This refers to the entry of the Spaniards into American territory, just as they did during the Conquest.
The fact that the city is made of "gold" shows that it was of great value to the Spanish crown.
The Spanish monarchs held the city of Santiago de Cali in high esteem for its loyalty and for the services rendered. This is confirmed by the Royal Decree of 1559:
"… I have been informed that the neighbors of the area have served us with all loyalty in what has been offered, as very loyal vassals…".
References
- Cali (Valle, Colombia). Retrieved on November 14, 2017, from flagspot.net
- Retrieved on November 14, 2017, from crwflags.com
- Coats of arms of Santiago de Cali. Retrieved on November 14, 2017, from wikipedia.org
- Colombia Sate Symbols, Song, Flags and More. Retrieved on November 14, 2017, from worldatlas.com
- Cali (Colombia) coat of arms. Retrieved on November 14, 2017, from ngw.nl
- Heraldry of Colombia. Retrieved on November 14, 2017, from santiago.cali.net
- Timeline of Cali. Retrieved on November 14, 2017, from wikipedia.org