ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Coat of arms of Białystok

A coat of arms is like a special picture or symbol that represents something important. It's kind of like a special badge that someone might wear on their clothes or have on a flag to show who they are or where they come from.

The coat of arms of Białystok is a special picture that represents the city of Białystok in Poland. It has a few different parts that all have different meanings.

The first part is called a shield. It's like a big shape that the other parts go on. The shield is divided into four parts, and each part has a different color. One part is red, one part is blue, one part is green, and one part is gold. These colors are important because they have been used to represent Białystok for a long time.

On the red part of the shield, there are three silver crescent shapes. These crescents kind of look like a banana that has been cut in half. They are important because they represent the moon, and the moon has been a symbol of Białystok for a long time.

On the blue part of the shield, there is a silver arrow. The arrow is pointing upwards, and it represents progress and moving forward. It's like a symbol for Białystok always trying to get better and improve.

On the green part of the shield, there is a gold lion. Lions are big and strong animals, and the lion on the coat of arms is a special kind called a "rampant" lion. This means that it is standing up on two legs and looks like it is ready to jump! The lion represents bravery and courage, which are important qualities to have.

Finally, on the gold part of the shield, there are three green oak leaves. Oak trees are big and strong, just like the lion. The oak leaves represent nature and the forests that are around Białystok. They also show that Białystok loves and respects the environment.

So, the coat of arms of Białystok is a special picture that represents the city. It has different colors and symbols that all have different meanings. Together, they show that Białystok is a place that values progress, bravery, and nature.