Aukštaitija

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AUKŠTAITIJA REGION

Aukstaitija.png
Official blazon
Lithuanian blazon wanted
English blazon wanted

Origin/meaning

The arms were confirmed on July 5, 2006.

he first mentionings of Aukštaitija in written sources are the 1322 letters of Grand Duke Gediminas ("terra Eustoythen") and the 1326 chronicle of Prussia land ("Austechia, terra regis Lethowie"). The name means "High Land" and it is appeared most likely due to the widening of primary Lithuania duchy, when the name "Lithuania" became ambiguous: meaning the "Lithuania duchy" (the early domain) as well as "proper Lithuania" (ethnic Baltic lands under the Lithuanian rule) and "Grand Duchy of Lithuania" (including the Slavic lands). In any case, the tradition of calling Aukštaitija together with Dzūkija as "Lithuania" was alive even till the early 20th century.

In the early 14th century (probably during the rule of Grand Duke Vytenis) the early domain of Lithuania was divided to Vilnius and Trakai duchies (later provinces), and the name Aukštaitija was applied to Vilnius province. With the time, the Middle Lithuania was also considered as Aukštaitija, though this consideration became universally accepted only in 19th century.

Both the Duchy of Lithuania and the Vilnius duchy used the knight (used now as National Arms), and the design of early arms of Vilnius province (knight with lance) is already used for the Vilnius district and county.

The design of the State minor seal of mid 16th century was adopted for the modern arms of Aukštaitija region. To distinguish the arms from the National Arms, the colors were switched. Red symbolizes the life, love, courage, blood spilt for homeland, and white symbolizes the dignity, honesty, honour.

Arms (crest) of Aukštaitija

The seal from 1572

The supporting angels symbolize that Aukštaitija was the cradle of baptism of Lithuania. Angels both exalt and protect this land. The motto "PATRIAM TUAM MUNDUM EXISTIMA" ("Your homeland consider as the whole world") means that knowledge of world starts from the native land.Literature:


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