Customs heraldy

Heraldy – the science which studies emblems, conventional, symbolic representations of the state, agencies, institutions, organizations, etc.
Decree № 125 of the President of the Republic of Belarus of 2 March 2001 in order to "preserve and develop the historical traditions of the customs authorities" established heraldic symbol-emblem: crossed caduceus and golden key, as well as the flag of the customs authorities of the Republic of Belarus - heraldic emblem on the dark green cloth. Heraldic symbol has deep historical roots and closely connected with the ancient European traditions and reflects the specific customs activities.


Key as an emblem is known since ancient times. In the Bible keys are symbols of authority and power, which found their reflection in the emblem of the Pope and St. Peter. Since the Middle Ages the keys have been symbolizing security. For example, a symbol of key was chosen to the emblems of almost all the towns and fortresses in strategically prominent localities (Borisov, Lida) or states (Cuba, Mauritius). In the religious symbolism keys are necessarily portrayed barbs up like the keys "heavenly." In contrast to them, security and control keys are represented barbs down that indicates all earthly things.
In the heraldic symbol of the Belarusian customs service the key means a customs control , the power to open or close the gates of Belarus and barbs in the form of "M" - the initial letter of the word Mytnya emphasizes departmental and national identity of the key.
The colors:
Colored elements of the uniform of customs officer are emerald (green) and gold (yellow). They have not only practical and aesthetic but deep symbolic meaning.

Emerald (green) is the color of the customs service, so it is the color of many elements of uniforms, insignia. For the first time (historical fact), the appearance of his cap made of gray cloth with dark green band and light green piping, can be attributed to 1827. The Russian customs border was wearing it on the western border of the Belarusian provinces. In subsequent years this tradition was entrenched.
Gold (yellow) is the color of the metal elements of customs. It means the color of gold, wealth, successful commerce. The Customs Service of Belarus has received golden (yellow) color of metal elements in 1992.








