Vaakuna
Vaakuna is Finnish for a coat of arms or heraldic emblem. In Finnish usage the term covers devices adopted by individuals, families, municipalities, organizations, and institutions to symbolize identity, status, and history. A vaakuna typically includes a shield charged with heraldic figures, and may be accompanied by a crest on top, supporters on the sides, and a motto below.
Design and terminology: The description of a vaakuna uses blazon, a formal language that specifies the shield’s
History and scope: Heraldry originated in medieval Europe and spread to the Nordic and Baltic regions, where
Modern use: Arms appear on official seals, buildings, flags, and publications, serving as identifiers and symbols