National symbol

Vitawt's Seal

Thanks to Virtual Guide to Belarus for temporarily allowing to use their material.

In 1999 we celebrate the 700th annivessary of the Litvanian coat of arms -- Pahonia ("The Chase" or "The Charging Horseman").

Pahonia had appeared in written documents beginning from the late 13th century. The image of the charging horseman starts to shape into a symbol around that time. And yet it is certain that the idea of it has an even older history. According to some sources this symbol was first used by Grand Litvanian Duke Trajdzien (ruled from 1270 to 1284). Some other documents ascribe it to Grand Litvanian Duke Vicen (ruled from 1294 to 1316).

to be continued...