Coat of arms of Tonga


The coat of arms or national seal of Tonga was designed in 1875 with the creation of the constitution.

History

The three swords represent the three dynasties or lines of the kings of Tonga, namely the Tui Tonga, Tui Haatakalaua and the current Tui Kanokupolu). Tonga was united under King Siaosi Tupou I, who then orchestrated the formation of the first formal government and also the coat of arms. The dove with the olive branch symbolises the wish of God's peace to reign in Tonga forever. The three stars symbolise the main island groups of Tonga, which are Tongatapu, Vavau and Haapai. The Crown symbolises the ruling monarchy, the King of Tonga. The text on the scroll at the bottom reads Ko e Otua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofia in the Tongan language: 'God and Tonga are my inheritance'.

Description

There is no official specification of how exactly the arms should look. Even the shield on the front gate of the late king's palace is different from the old black/white copy used by the government printer on all official stationery, is different from the copy on the prime minister's office webpage, etc. Some have pointed crowns, some rounded; some have normal flags, others have flags looking more like banners; some use the modern orthography, some the old ; some have black swords, others white; and so forth.

Royal Standard

The Royal Standard of Tonga is the monarch's personal flag and is an armorial banner of the Royal Arms of Tonga.