The coat of arms of Guatemala comprises:
- A wreath of bay laurel branches, the symbol for victory;
- The Resplendent Quetzal, a bird that symbolizes liberty;
- A scroll on which is written LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (15 September 1821 is the date of Central America's independence from Spain);
- Two crossed Remington rifles with bayonets indicating Guatemala's willingness to defend itself by force if need be;
- Two crossed swords, representing honour.
The emblem was designed by Swiss artist and engraver Johan-Baptist Frener, who lived in Guatemala from 1854 until his death in 1897.
The coat of arms also appears on the flag of Guatemala. The quetzal previously appeared in the flag of Los Altos, Central America in the 1830s.
Famous quotes containing the words coat and/or arms:
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“And to your more bewitching, see the proud,
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Tempting the two too modest; can
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The arms to hug you? Throw, throw
Yourselves into the mighty overflow
Of that white pride, and drown
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—Robert Herrick (1591–1674)