OCTOBER 21, 2024 — Today marks the Day of the Coat of Arms and Flag of the Tver Oblast in Russia, reports Tver News.
The day commemorates the approval of the Tver viceroyalty’s coat of arms by Catherine II on this day in 1780. The flag, based on this coat of arms, symbolizes the region’s deep historical ties to Russia. The coat of arms was later reapproved for the Tver region in 1856.
Governor Igor Rudenya highlighted the significance of the day, stating that the holiday represents “the centuries-old history of our region” and its role in shaping and defending Russia. He emphasized the importance of passing on traditional values to future generations, fostering pride and love for the Tver region.
The flag in its modern form, designed by heraldic expert Vladimir Lavrenov, features two vertical gold stripes flanking a central red stripe, according to Tverigrad. In the middle, a throne with Monomakh’s cap—a symbol of ancient Russian sovereignty—rests on a green cushion. The gold represents power and resurrection, while red signifies both power and martyrdom, tied to Michael of Tver.
The law establishing the coat of arms and flag of the Tver Oblast was passed in 1996, and the celebration was formally recognized in 2006. Lavrenov noted that while some imperial symbols were removed from the coat of arms, the throne and Monomakh were preserved as central elements of the region’s historical identity.
Today also marks the 969th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Image: Public domain