Embleme

An emblem, sometimes spelled emblème in French or embleme in other languages, is a symbolic object, sign, or figure used to represent a concept, organization, or country. Emblems convey identity, authority, or values through imagery, often combining shapes, colors, and motifs with culturally understood meanings. While some emblems are decorative, many function as official insignia on flags, seals, documents, or uniforms. In practice, emblems overlap with logos, badges, or coats of arms, but they are typically oriented toward meaning and recognition rather than brand messaging alone.

The term emblem derives from Latin emblemum, from Greek emblēma, meaning "something inserted" or "a throw-in" via en- "in" and ballein "to throw." Historically, emblems were central to heraldry, where families, cities, and orders used coats of arms and badges to identify allegiance and property. Over time, the concept broadened to include symbolic figures representing ideas such as courage, peace, or justice.

Types include heraldic emblems (crests, coats of arms), national emblems (state symbols, seals), organizational emblems (police or military insignia, corporate emblems), religious emblems (crosses, mandalas), and cultural emblems (mythical creatures, city emblems). Emblems are used on flags, official documents, currency, badges, uniforms, and marketing materials. They are designed for recognizability and durability across contexts.

In modern contexts, emblems may be protected as trademarks or state symbols. While some emblems function as official identifiers enforceable by law, others serve as cultural or historical markers that express shared heritage. The distinction between emblem and logo is often blurred; a corporate insignia can function as an emblem when used as an official symbol rather than a wordmark.