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 colors (tinctures), charges, and divisions; traditional rules of heraldry govern color contrast and symbolism. While regional styles vary, common elements include lions, crosses, fleurs-de-lis, anchors, or natural motifs; colors such as gold (or) and blue (azure) carry conventional meanings.

History and scope: Heraldry originated in medieval Europe and spread to the Nordic and Baltic regions, where nobility, municipalities, churches, and later corporations used arms to identify themselves. In the modern era, many countries maintain heraldic traditions, with official or recognized authorities approving or recording arms. In Finland, the concept is widely used for municipal arms and family arms, and the term vaakuna is still in everyday use.

Modern use: Arms appear on official seals, buildings, flags, and publications, serving as identifiers and symbols of heritage. While not all entities obtain arms, many municipalities and organizations maintain heraldic collections and registries, and new arms can be designed to reflect an institution’s history, values, and regional connections.