Statehood and heraldry
Lithuanian state and heraldic symbols
Lithuania’s state symbols are its flag, coat of arms and anthem. The Columns of the Gediminids are a separate historical national symbol. These guides explain their history and legal status through parliamentary and museum sources.
Four symbol guides
Lithuanian national anthem: Tautiška giesmė
Lithuania’s national anthem is Tautiška giesmė by Vincas Kudirka. He wrote both its words and music; the text and score first appeared in issue 6 of Varpas in 1898.
Constitutional state symbol; history supported by parliamentary and museum sourcesLithuanian flag: the yellow, green and red tricolour
Lithuania’s national flag is a tricolour with three equal horizontal stripes: yellow at the top, green in the middle and red at the bottom. Its height-to-length ratio is 3:5.
Constitutional state symbol; cultural colour meanings distinguished from its legal descriptionVytis: the Lithuanian coat of arms
Vytis is Lithuania’s coat of arms: a white (heraldically silver) armoured rider on a white horse against a red shield. Its history reaches back to the seals of medieval Lithuanian rulers.
Constitutional state coat of arms; history supported by seals and official sourcesColumns of the Gediminids: a historical Lithuanian symbol
The Columns of the Gediminids are a historical national symbol of Lithuania, rooted in rulers’ heraldry. They are securely associated with Vytautas from 1397 and later became a wider dynastic and statehood symbol.
Historical national symbol; early origins presented with appropriate uncertaintyDifferent emblems and different status
Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution identify the tricolour, Vytis and Tautiška giesmė. The law classifies the Columns as a historical national symbol. These guides distinguish documented heraldic development, modern use and cultural interpretations. Traditional ornaments are explored in a separate section.
Baltic symbols and folk ornaments