latvia emblem mouse mat

Coat of arms of Latvia. The Latvian national Coat of Arms was formed after the proclamation of an independant Republic of Latvia on November 18, 1918, and was officially adopted on June 16, 1921. It was especially created for its independant statehood. The national coat of arms combines symbols of Latvian national statehood, as well as symbols of ancient historical districts. The sun in the upper part of the coat of arms symbolises Latvian national statehood. A stylised depiction of the sun was used as a symbol of distinction and national identity by the Imperial Russian Army's Latvian Riflemen during World War I. During the war, the sun figure was fashioned with 17 rays that symbolised the 17 Latvian-inhabited districts. The three stars above the coat of arms embody the idea of the inclusion of historical districts (Vidzeme, Latgale and combined Courland-Semigalia (Kurzeme-Zemgale) into the united Latvia.