Decorative cushion Imperial blazon

The eagle and the bee, emblems of the First and Second Empire, have become so familiar that we sometimes forget their origins or their meanings.
Here is a reminder of the imperial symbolism with Napoleon's arms.

The Eagle
Main component of the coat of arms, the bird of Jupiter, the emblem of imperial Rome, is associated since ancient times military victories. The decree of 10 July 1804 stipulates that weapons are the Emperor: "azure an eagle at the ancient gold, encroaching a lightning the same." This eagle, very different patterns of traditional heraldry, is also inspired by the Carolingian eagle. The day after the coronation, Napoleon place the symbol on top of the shaft of all the flags of the Napoleonic armies.

The bees
Symbol of immortality and resurrection, the bees are chosen to attach the new dynasty the origins of France. Indeed, gold bees (actually cicadas) were discovered in 1653 in Tournai in the tomb of Childeric I, founder in 457 of the Merovingian dynasty and father of Clovis. They are considered the oldest emblem of the sovereigns of France.

** The hand of Justice and scepter **
Two of the "Honors" of Charlemagne, taken during the coronation of 2 December 1804 included intersecting the imperial arms. The scepter, baton, a sign of sovereign authority is that of Charlemagne and supports at its top a statue of the first emperor of the West. The hand of Justice, reconstituted, is a pole topped with a blessing ivory hand.

** The crown and the imperial mantle **
The shield stands on the imperial coat inspired by that of the peers of France. Purple velvet sprinkled with golden bees, lined with vines, fringed with gold and lined with ermine, he escapes from the closed crown, formed by eagles with raised wings alternating with arcs and leading to a globe Peeper.