Heraldry and myth Golden eagles in human culture

albanian flag



mexican coat of arms



coat of arms of egypt

the golden eagle common national animal in world, 5 nations—albania, germany, austria, mexico , kazakhstan—making national animal. common motif in national symbols of countries have not officially made national animal or national bird. reasons various, among nations use golden eagle or in state symbol, there 2 clear traditions explain modern usage. among european countries, golden eagle model aquila, prominent symbol of roman legions , more roman civilization had such powerful impact on western culture; furthermore, classical roman traditions carried on eastern roman empire in southern , eastern of europe , holy roman empire in central , western europe, transmitting use of golden eagle several modern states. association of golden eagle rome has led adoption of similar symbols in other countries; instance, adoption of related , physically similar bald eagle national bird of united states inspired conception of united states modern reincarnation of roman republic, theme recurs in other elements (including prevalence of neoclassical architecture in american public buildings , use of roman terminology—such naming upper house of congress senate—to hark roman model). in perhaps 1 of golden eagle s more unfortunate representations in human culture, adolf hitler used golden eagle regularly symbol nazi party, including large monuments or statues on buildings , bridges pins worn on lapels of nazi officers. in case, eagle used stir nationalism, since longtime symbol (hoheitszeichen) german empire dating centuries in use coat of arms of prussia.

another large tradition of using golden eagle can found in arab world, eagle historically symbol of power in arabic poetry, , according legend personal emblem of saladin. specific depiction of golden eagle legendarily considered saladin s adopted arab nationalist movement, , appears on arms of egypt, iraq, , palestine; had appeared on arms of people s democratic republic of yemen (1967–1990) , on arms of libyan arab republic (1970–1972). current emblem of yemen displays golden eagle, not of saladin. in japanese culture, main representation of eagles in mythology tengu, monster human-bird possibly modeled on eagle , given mountain dwelling habits, perhaps partially inspired golden eagles. tengu described bipedal creature long nose-beak, wings , fan 12 wooden ribs, resembling tail feathers, though illustrated far more human-like bird-like. mischievous , powerful, tengu protector of mountains, able foretell future, creates winds , attacks people try harm mountainous landscape.