OCTOBER 5, 2025 — Lithuania has officially introduced newly designed flags and heraldic emblems for the towns of Aviliai and Svirkos, according to the Lithuanian Heraldry Commission on Facebook last Friday.
The Aviliai coat of arms is a prominent member of the “canting arms” tradition, deeply rooted in heraldic practice. It features a silver beehive atop a damaskinated azure field, separated at the base by a wavy silver line representing Lake Avilys, from which the area derives its name—the Lithuanian word “avilys” means “beehive,” while “Aviliai” is the plural form.
Six golden bees flank the hive, symbolizing diligence, creativity, and community, ideals that resonate strongly with both local values and Christian allegory, wherein bees are associated with purity and moderation.
Above the beehive, a golden cross integrates references to Aviliai’s spiritual and noble lineage, most notably the Giedraičiai family whose members, such as the blessed Mykolas Giedraitis, played key roles in shaping the region’s history. This cross pays homage to the old chapel that once stood in the town, the former Piarist monastery, and the present-day Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Furthermore, the design celebrates distinguished contributors including theologians and priests like Alfonsas Kadžius, Remigijus Kavaliauskas, Stasys Tamulionis, and Vytautas Dagelis.
The colours argent and azure in the Aviliai flag and arms are laden with symbolism: argent signifies wealth, integrity, purity, and the lake itself, while azure denotes loyalty, wisdom, constancy, and honesty.
In Svirkos, the new flag and arms centre around a golden horseshoe set against a red field, crowned by three red crosses in a silver chief. The horseshoe is a classic emblem of happiness and also alludes to the nobility and knightly traditions that were historically prominent in the area.
The three crosses commemorate figures such as Pranciškus Norvaiša, a Jesuit, theologian, mathematician, and Vilnius University professor whose legacy underscores the region’s commitment to intellectual and cultural achievement. Heraldic colours in this design are equally significant: the bold red (gules) represents courage and stamina, epitomized by the local population’s resistance to Tsarist rule during the 1863 uprising, while the argent chief stands for wealth, integrity, and purity, drawing a link between past and present virtues.
Both sets of symbols were created by Lithuanian artist Arvydas Každailis.
Image: Lithuanian Heraldry Commission via Facebook
