The Symbolic Coat Of Arms Of Madrid Explained

The coat of arms of Madrid is a complex emblem with a long history. The current iteration was adopted in 1983, but the coat of arms has experienced several modifications over the years, with different versions being used concurrently by various factions. The emblem features a bear and a tree, which are the main components and date back to the Middle Ages. The coat of arms has been used by football clubs, and its meaning is tied to Madrid's history and status as a royal seat.

The bear and the strawberry tree

The strawberry tree, or 'madroño' in Spanish, was added to the seal in 1222, following a dispute between the church and the city council over ownership of the land, which was resolved by King Alfonso VIII. The king decided that the trees and land would belong to the city, while the animals would belong to the church. The council's satisfaction with the ruling is reflected in its decision to include a tree in its crest. The bear was also changed to a standing position, as it is depicted today.

The strawberry tree is no longer common in Madrid, and its fruit differs from the strawberries typically found in grocery stores. Madroños are small, round, red berries with an alcohol content that can cause intoxication. They are used to make jams, beverages, and a liqueur that shares their name.

The seven stars

The design of the coat of arms has undergone several modifications over the centuries, with the number of points on the stars changing from eight to five in the 16th century, and then to six during the Francoist period. The current coat of arms of the Community of Madrid was adopted in 1983, and it features the seven five-pointed stars, two golden castles, and the Spanish Royal Crown.

The royal crown

The coat of arms of Madrid has undergone several modifications since the Middle Ages, when the main components—a bear and a tree—first appeared. The current iteration of the coat of arms was adopted in 1983, with the royal crown being a key feature.

The crown was first added to the shield in 1544 when Charles I granted Madrid the titles of "Imperial" and "Crowned". The specific crown used is the open Spanish royal crown, which was set upon the shield in the 17th century.

The crown was replaced by a mural crown during the First and Second Republics, but this was changed back to the royal crown in 1982, following the Franco regime. The royal crown symbolises Madrid as the royal seat.

The griffin and civic crown

The coat of arms of Madrid has undergone several modifications over the centuries. The main components, the bear and the tree, date back to the Middle Ages. In the early 13th century, the bear was displayed on all fours, but it began to be shown standing on its hind legs, leaning on a tree, possibly to assert the council's control of timber. The seven stars, bear, and strawberry tree are also featured on the badge of the football club Atlético Madrid.

In 1544, Charles I granted Madrid the titles of "Imperial" and "Crowned," leading to the addition of a crown on the shield above the tree. In the 17th century, an open Spanish royal crown was set upon the shield. During the First and Second Republics, the royal crown was replaced by a mural crown, and the collar of the dynastic Order of the Golden Fleece was removed.

In the Francoist period, the five-pointed stars became six-pointed, and the mural crown was replaced by the heraldic open crown used by the regime. Consoles and laurel wreaths became less common. After Franco's death, the heraldic open crown was replaced by the older open royal crown in 1982, and the design of the elements was simplified.

The colours

The coat of arms of Madrid features a shield that is argent, or silver. On it, there is a bear sable, or black, standing on its hind legs, leaning on a strawberry tree vert fructed gules, or a green tree with red fruit. The bordure, or border, of the shield is azure, or blue, and features seven stars argent, or silver. The shield is adorned with an open royal crown of gold and precious stones.

The coat of arms has undergone several modifications throughout history, with the addition and removal of various elements. However, the colours have remained consistent, preserving the symbolic and historical significance of the coat of arms of Madrid.

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