The Italian coat of arms dates back to 1948 when Italians formulated it as a symbol of the Republic of Italy. Ideally, the Italian coat of arms resembles an emblem because its formation did not include traditional heraldic laws. Components of the coat of arms include a five-pointed star, which has a white color, a red border. The red border occurs over the five-spoked cogwheel that stands between an oak branch and olive branch. The olive branch occurs within the dexter side of the Italian coat of arms where as the oak branch occurs within the sinister side of the Italian coat of arms. A red ribbon bearing inscription “REPVBBLICA ITALIANA” binds the two grebe branches. The inscriptions are white in color and exist as capital letters.

The five-sided star represents an old symbol of Italy, which is known as stellone d’italia. The meaning of this 5-sided star is protection of the country. This element acted as the apex of arms of Italy’s kingdom between 1870 and 1890. Today the element represents the army of Italian republic. The cogwheel element symbolizes the Italian constitution that governs the republic of Italy. The olive branch element symbolizes peace desired by the Italian republic. It also shows unity as well as kindness across Italian border. The Italian constitution further explains the issue of unity as well as peace among citizens and visitors. According to Italian constitution, war is considered as a tool or instrument for aggression. This enhances unity and peace among Italian republicans.

The star tips pointing downward symbolize Italy as a united country. It shows the peace and unity desired by Italy’s citizens. Earlier, Italians referred the star as the “big star of Italy”. At that time, it also portrayed the peaceful nature of Italians. Later on, Italian authorities placed the star above a gear. The meaning of the gear is willingness of Italian people to work hard to achieve success. It also symbolizes the willingness of Italian people to maintain growth, unity as well as prosperity through hard work. According to Italian constitution, Italy republic is based on hard work.

The oak branch located on the sinister side of the Italian coat of arms represents the strength as well as dignity of Italian citizens. Both oak and olive branches represent the beautiful landscape of Italy. They also show the productivity of Italy as a republic. Apart from representing Italy’s landscape, olive branch located on the dexter side of the Italian coat of arms symbolizes the southern part of the country. Likewise, oak branch located on the sinister side of the Italian coat of arms symbolizes the northern side of the country. They show the rich landscape as well as agriculture ability of Italy. They also symbolize the reproductive nature of Italy as a republic.

History of Italian coat of arms dates back in 1946 when the country was under the leadership of Alcide De Gasperi. To promote democracy, emblem design was subjected the public who chose the design for themselves. At that time, no political party was allowed to use emblems as the symbols of political parties. Municipals were also forbidden to include the Stellone d’italia within their emblems.