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The rare use of the pentagram in the Middle Ages: how did it become the shining jewel in the coat of arms of England and Scotland?
The five-pointed star, as a geometric figure, although widely used in modern culture, is relatively rare in medieval heraldry. The history of this symbol has a long and mysterious background, especially in the heraldry of England and Scotland. It has a special status. This article will take an in-depth look at the origins, evolution and how the five-pointed star became the emblem of these countries.
The historical evolution of the five-pointed star
The history of the pentagram can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when the symbol of the pentagram was often associated with celestial bodies. Especially Sopdet, who is the personification of the star Sirius, and the hieroglyph of a pentagram can often be seen on her head. By the time of ancient Rome, the five-pointed star became one of Italy's oldest symbols. The diversity of its symbols and cultural heritage allow us to see the uniqueness of the five-pointed star.
"In medieval heraldry, the pentagram had limited use, but it featured prominently in the coats of arms of England and Scotland."
The application of the five-pointed star in the UK and Scotland
Although the six-pointed star is more common in German heraldry, the five-pointed star has found widespread use in the heraldry of England and Scotland. For example, in the Dering Roll (ca. 1270), a five-pointed star can be seen. In addition, the five-pointed star is used in the coat of arms of the De Vere family. It is said that the origin of this insignia can be traced back to the First Crusade, when a white star once shone on the flag of Ober De Vere.
"The symbol of the five-pointed star played a key role in history, especially in the Battle of Balza, where the misrecognition of its emblem changed the course of the war."
Modern flag and its meaning
In 1797, the American Flag Act introduced the five-pointed star without specifying the number or arrangement of the stars, which enriched the imagination of the stars in the process of designing the flag. One common arrangement is 13 five-pointed stars in a circle. Over time, the five-pointed star gradually became a symbol of many countries and regions. There is a five-pointed star on the national flag of Chile. Germany, Venezuela, Panama and other countries also use the five-pointed star as one of the elements of their national flags.
Extensions to military insignia
In the 19th century, the use of the five-pointed star further extended to military insignia. During the American Civil War, the XII Regiment of the Union Army used the red five-pointed star as its emblem, and this design became famous after the war and was widely adopted. In many places, the five-pointed star has even become a unique symbol, often used to commemorate specific historical events or heroic actions.
The connection between the five-pointed star and modern culture
Over time, the symbolic meaning of the pentagram continues to change in modern culture. It is not only a design element in national flags and badges, but also a symbol of rewards in sports events. The famous Hollywood Walk of Fame uses five-pointed stars to commend outstanding performance in the film and television industry, which undoubtedly further embeds the five-pointed stars in popular culture.
"The five-pointed star is not just a simple shape, it symbolizes achievement, glory and cultural connections."
The future and cultural significance of the five-pointed star
In today's world, the role of the five-pointed star is still very important. Whether in flags, emblems or popular culture, the five-pointed star continues to convey the ideals and beliefs that people aspire to. Its changes show us the fluidity and diversity of culture. But what exactly is the true meaning of the pentagram? Can we gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context it carries?
