The coat of arms of Cyprus depicts a dove carrying an olive branch (a well-known symbol of peace) over “1960”, the year of Cypriot independence from British rule. The background is a copper-yellow colour; this symbolises the large deposits of copper ore on Cyprus (chiefly in the form of chalcopyrite, which is yellow in colour).
When Cyprus was a British Crown Colony, local colonial officials used a coat of arms (which were never in fact officially granted) of two lions passant guardant, based on the coat of arms of the United Kingdom.
Famous quotes containing the words coat and/or arms:
“Prepare your silken coat before it rains, and don’t wait until you are thirsty to dig a well.”
—Chinese proverb.
“Women have simple tastes. They can get pleasure out of the conversation of children in arms and men in love.”
—H.L. (Henry Lewis)