Reveal of the new Sēlija historical Latvian land coat of arms took place on 31 May during the State Heraldry Commission visiting session at Ilūkste Culture and Art Centre. According to Edgars Sims, artist who created the visual design for the coat of arms, it replicates common patterns that coats of arms of other Latvian regions have. The side-facing and walking silver red deer is painted against the red background. The motion of the animal is the unique feature that sets it apart from other Latvian coats of arms.
‘Saeima adopted the Latvian Historical Lands Law a year ago. Law became the framework for national policy aimed at strengthening Latvianness, exploring its diversity and continued furthering and conservation of our national identity. Sēlija, a new historical land, joined Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale, the existing historical lands, on the map of Latvia. In a way, we completed the Sēlija appreciation, development and promotion project initiated by academic Jānis Stradiņš and his followers. Sēlija has acquired its proper status of historical Latvian land,’ Andris Teikmanis, Head of the Presidential Chancery, said in his opening remarks.
‘State Heraldry Commission had to put in a lot of effort analysing and going through all proposed features and details. One of the main suggestions during last-year’s discussion at the Riga Castle was to approach the task from scientific, historical and heraldic perspective. I believe we have taken the suggestion even further by offering a coat of arms that is also a brand that will make Sēlija more distinct among other historical lands,’ Andris Teikmanis said as he described the process of creating the Sēlija coat of arms.
Head of the Chancery thanked everyone who was involved in the development of the coat of arms. ‘Designer Edgars Sims and the whole State heraldry Committee team deserve a big thank you. Job well done! From a heraldic point of view, this red deer resembles the historic ties between Sēlija and Duchy of Kurzeme and Zemgale. It also fits right into the lineage of coats of arms of other historical lands and brings the unique history and identity of Sēlija into the focus. Red deer are known to be proud animals. They have the characteristic pride and hold their heads high just like Selonians. Thank you everyone for your creative and professional input, as well as encouraging discussions and suggestions,’ Andris Teikmanis said.
He thanked the members of the Saeima who attended the session and promised on behalf of the President of Latvia to draft the amendments to the Law on Coats of Arms in near future. Andris Teikmanis hopes that Sēlija and its coat of arms will be integrated by the parliament into the Law without delays and in the spirit of parliamentary efficiency.
