El Salvador Coat of Arms: Five Volcanoes, Phrygian Cap, Rainbow & Meaning
Decode the symbols at the center of El Salvador’s state flag, from the five volcanoes and liberty cap to the rainbow, five flags and 14 laurel branches.
1 Who created the coat of arms?
Rafael Barraza Rodríguez won a national competition organized by the Ministry of War and Navy in 1912. His design became the national coat of arms used on the state flag.
2 What do the triangle and five volcanoes mean?
The equilateral triangle is traditionally associated with liberty, equality and fraternity. The five volcanoes represent the five historic Central American states and the shared regional heritage of the former federation.
3 What does the Phrygian cap represent?
The red Phrygian cap is a symbol of liberty. It appears above the volcanoes beneath the date marking Central American independence.
4 What does the rainbow mean?
The rainbow symbolizes peace and the aspiration toward a cooperative Central American future.
5 Why are there 14 laurel branches?
The laurel branches represent glory and peaceful progress. There are 14, corresponding to El Salvador’s 14 departments.
Federal colors and Central American unity.
The 14 departments.
Dios, Unión, Libertad.
6 FAQ
How many volcanoes are on the coat of arms?
Five.
Who designed the coat of arms?
Rafael Barraza Rodríguez in 1912.
What do the 14 laurel branches represent?
The 14 departments of El Salvador.
