The National Emblem of the Monsilvan Republic (Monsilvan: 山共和国国徽; pinyin: Shān Gònghéguó Guóhuī) has been Monsilva's national emblem since January 1979, a month after the establishment of the republic. The emblem consists of a white sun with twelve rays on a blue circle which is supported by a phoenix (Fènghuáng) on the left side and a dragon (Lóng) on the right surrounded by a blue ribbon bearing the inscription of 山共和國 (Monsilvan Republic). The emblem also consists of many ornaments which surround the inner blue circle.
Symbols
- The supporter sinister is a dragon, which symbolizes strength and adaptability. The azure dragon originates from the Zhou dynasty, and although formerly associated with the monarchy as well as strength and adaptability, the establishment of the Monsilvan Republic has made this association no longer valid.
- On the back of the dragon is fire, which symbolises light and brightness.
- Behind the head of the dragon is the crescent moon of the moon rabbit who is constantly pounding the elixir of life.
- The supporter dexter is a fenghuang, or pheasant-phoenix, and represents peace and refinement.
- The phoenix holds pondweed or algae in its right talon, a symbol of purity and brightness.
- Behind its head are three stars, which symbolise happiness, prosperity and longevity.
- Both creatures hold in one of each claws the zongyi (宗彝), which is a sacrificial cup, symbolising devotion and loyalty. Originally, this was devotion and loyalty to the monarch, but the modern symbolisation is actually the devotion and loyalty of the government to its people.
The dragon and phoenix represent the natural world. In yin and yang terminology, a dragon is male yang and the phoenix a female yin. Originally, the emperor was often identified as the dragon, while the empress was the phoenix. However, with the establishment of the Monsilvan Republic, this meaning is no longer valid. Instead, the inclusion of the phoenix into the national symbol, opposite but equal to the dragon, can be seen as a symbol of women being equal to men, and a visual and poignant representation of women's rights in the new Monsilva.
- Featuring as the crest on top is an abstract symbol of the sun of the three-legged crow.
- In the center is the "Blue Sky with a White Sun" symbol, the twelve rays of the white Sun originally represents hope, but during the Monsilvan Revolution, it also represented the establishment of a republic.
- The figure 亞 fu underneath the blue circle represents two animals with their backside together. This symbolises the capability to make a clear distinction between right and wrong.
- The fu sign is just below complex interlacing ribbons, which connect the dragon, the phoenix and the blue circle to each other. The ribbons symbolise Great Unity and social harmony.
Historical emblems
Current Emblem of Monsilva (1979-present)
See also
Monsilvan Republic
