The shield of Tucumán is the insignia that represents the province of Tucumán. Its ornaments are similar to those of the Argentine coat of arms, the main difference being that the Tucumán coat of arms does not have the May sun in the upper part of the oval.
Oval in shape, it is divided in the center into two symmetrical halves; the upper one is blue and the lower one is white. Under the line that divides them are two bare forearms, joined by their right hands, between which they hold a pole that reaches the center of the upper half, on which a red cap is erected.
Shield of Tucumán
The oval is bordered by two laurel branches, one on each side, joined at the base of the shield by a loop, made of a ribbon with the colors sky blue - white - sky blue.
History of the shield of Tucumán
Until 1813, Tucumán used the Royal Shield of Spain. In that same year he assumed a new coat of arms of which there is no further reference.
In 1816 they established a new shield, which consisted of an oval within a larger oval. The central oval was divided in two; the upper half in white and the lower half in light blue. In this version the forearms are inserted holding the flagpole with the red cap.
In 1820 a new shield becomes official. A white oval within which are two palm branches, a sword and a spear with the flag.
These three objects appeared tied and surrounded by a laurel wreath and the inscription "República de Tucumán, Year 1820" on the edge.
In 1840 the shield was established as an oval divided in half, the upper one in white and the lower one in sky blue.
In the center two crossed spears and a pole holding the red cap. Bordering the oval laurels and olive trees. At the base, four flags on each side crossed in the center and the inscription "Tucuman Sepulcher of the Tyrants".
In 1848 the 1816 shield appears again, but this time decorated in the lower part with spears, flags and cannons. Format that it maintained until 1859
From 1861 to 1888, the documents were stamped with police emblems. Sometimes the Provincial Shield of San Juan was used, other times the complete national shield, others without the sun. It is the latter that is imposed but without any law that provides it.
In 1946, Law No. 1988 was enacted, which decrees that the official shield format of the province is the one that currently exists and must be used in legal documents.
Meaning of the shield of Tucumán
The shield of Tucumán represents freedom, glory and unity, models on which the region has been based since its independence.
The freedom represented by the red cap, the glory represented by the laurel wreath and the union represented by the arms clasping their right hands.
The oval has a horizontal line that divides it in half, the resulting sections are white and blue, representing the colors of the Argentine flag.
The lower half in white color symbolizes faith, purity, firmness, obedience and nobility. On the other hand, the upper one in light blue color symbolizes brotherhood, truth, justice and loyalty.
The forearms in the white half, are shaking their right hands, represent the existing union between the towns of the province. Both hands hold the pole.
The pole is represented by a lance on which freedom is supported. Interpreting the image, it is understood that if necessary, weapons would be used to defend freedom.
The red cap represents freedom. Known as "Phrygian" or "Gules cap" it was adopted by the French as a symbol of freedom during the French Revolution. Then the Spanish republicans did the same.
The laurels that surround the shield symbolize triumph and victory. They are a demonstration of the military glory achieved in Tucumán.
Finally, the ribbon that joins the laurel branches in the lower part of the shield with a bow has the colors of the Flag of the Argentine Republic.
References
- Ephemerides - Patricians of Vuelta de Obligado. (2008). Revisionista.com.ar. Retrieved on 08/23/2017, from revisionista.com.ar.
- The Congress of the Boys. (02/10/2017). Retrieved on 08/23/2017, from chicocongreso.gob.ar.
- Heraldicaargentina.com.ar. (sf). Retrieved on 08/23/2017, heraldicaargentina.com.ar.
- Taringa. (sf). Retrieved on 08/23/2017, from taringa.net.
- Wikipedia (03/15/2013). Wikipedia.org. Retrieved on 08/23/2017, from es.wikipedia.org.