Why Australia’s national symbol features two animals that cannot easily walk backwards
In short: The kangaroo and emu supporting Australia's coat of arms were chosen for their size and unique movement. Because neither animal can easily walk backwards, they serve as a symbolic representation of a nation always moving forward. Despite their prominence, these iconic creatures have never been officially designated as national animal emblems.
The Commonwealth Coat of Arms serves as the formal symbol of Australian authority, representing a fusion of the people, the crown, and the constitution. The central shield, or escutcheon, is divided into six quarters, each displaying the badge of an Australian state. This design, granted by King George V on 19 September 1912, replaced an earlier 1908 version that had faced significant criticism for its lack of representation and perceived reliance on Old World heraldic traditions.
The 1908 design, authorised by King Edward VII, featured a shield with a red cross of Saint George and six inescutcheons representing the states. It was controversial from the start; groups like the Scottish Patriotic Association argued it ignored the diverse origins of British settlers. The 1912 redesign addressed some of these concerns by incorporating an ermine border—a nod to Scottish heraldry—and ensuring each state was represented by its specific badge. The motto was simplified to 'Australia', and the animals were rendered more realistically.
While the coat of arms is a powerful symbol, its use is strictly regulated. It is primarily reserved for government agencies, Parliament, and courts. Private use is rare, though exceptions exist for sporting bodies like the Australian Olympic Team. Unauthorized use can lead to legal consequences under various acts, including the Trade Marks Act 1995. Interestingly, while the golden wattle appears in the background of the arms, it is an optional artistic flourish rather than a formal part of the royal warrant, despite being proclaimed the national floral emblem in 1988.
The animals themselves have become deeply embedded in the national identity, even appearing in culinary culture. A dish combining kangaroo and emu meat is colloquially known as a 'Coat of Arms'. Although artists and politicians have occasionally proposed redesigns—such as adding a crown or removing the wattle—the core elements of the 1912 design remain the definitive representation of the Commonwealth.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Coat of arms of Australia
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-coat-of-arms-of-australia.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Languages · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
