The shield of the Province of San Juan (Argentina) has existed since before this was an independent province; it is practically identical to the national shield of Argentina, only that the sun in the upper part of the provincial shield is in a higher position.
This shield consists of an oval, which is divided horizontally into two equal parts, the upper part being light blue, the same as the flag of Argentina, while the lower part is white.
The oval is surrounded by two green laurel branches, separated in the upper part, while in the lower part they are intertwined with a light blue and white ribbon.
In the lower part of the oval are the figures of two human arms with black sleeves whose hands clasp and hold together a pike - which is a type of very long spear.
At the tip of the pike you can see the so-called Phrygian cap or Gules cap, red in color (it is an almost conical cap, with the tip dropped to one side and generally made of wool or felt).
At the top of the shield is a gold-colored sun with 19 flames or straight rays.
History
Like other Argentine provinces, the province of San Juan used the Spanish Royal Shield since its foundation. Its first modification appeared in 1575, when the image of San Juan Bautista was included.
As of 1813, the province of San Juan began to use the image of the Seal that identified the Sovereign General Constituent Assembly as a shield, as did most of the provinces.
This shield was altering its original image over the years, by adding different types of elements and ornaments.
A Provincial law decreed on July 13, 1911 established the shape that the shield of the province should have, with a certain proportion of the oval, with intertwined arms that hold a pike with the Phrygian cap on the tip, adorning the oval with branches of laurels and olive trees on the outside.
As of the 1911 law, constant and arbitrary modifications to the shield began to be made (such as, for example, sometimes showing the arms with the sleeves and other times without them).
Then, it was decided on May 9, 1962, by Decree No. 1-G with force of law, the definitive form of the shield of the province of San Juan, whose characteristics are those shown today.
Meaning
Each element that makes up the shield of San Juan has a specific symbolism or meaning. Each of the elements will be described below:
Sun
The sun that is in the upper part of the shield represents the territorial union of the province, while the 19 rays represent each of the departments that compose it.
Oval colors
The sky-blue color of the upper part of the oval represents the sky over the province of San Juan and also refers to the color of the national flag.
The white color of the lower part of the oval represents the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains.
Laurel
The laurel branches placed on both sides of the outer part of the oval symbolize cultivated land and agricultural wealth; they also mean the triumphs obtained in the struggle for independence.
The light blue and white ribbon that joins the laurel branches at the base of the oval, represent "Argentinity", that is, it represents Argentina.
Arms with black sleeves
The arms placed in the white band of the oval are dressed with black sleeves, as a sign of respect towards those who fought for independence, while the clasping hands symbolize union.
Pica and hat
The pike or spear that holds the Phrygian cap represents the National Constitution of Argentina; the Phrygian cap, for its part, represents freedom.
References
- Van Meegrot, W. (undated). Web page "Heraldry Argentina". Recovered from heraldicaargentina.com.ar
- Mó, F. (undated). Taken from an informative note referring to the book "Cosas de San Juan" by Fernando Mó. Recovered from sanjuanalmundo.org
- Galeon.com. (No date). Informative website "Province of San Juan". Recovered from galeon.com
- Elgranmundodesanjuan.blogspot.com. (September 27 and 28, 2008). Articles appeared on the website, entitled "Emblems of San Juan" and "How is the shield made?". Recovered from elgranmundodesanjuan.blogspot.com
- Guardia, E. (August 14, 2008). ”Shield of the province of San Juan”. Recovered from es.wikipedia.org