This decision was made in Korosten, at a time when Kyiv was occupied by Bolshevik forces, and it solidified the Trident’s status as one of Ukraine’s enduring national symbols. Today, the Trident stands alongside the State Flag and National Anthem, representing the continuity of Ukrainian statehood and independence.
1. Historical Context: The Road to a National Emblem
1.1 The Turbulent Days of 1918
By early 1918, the Ukrainian Revolution (1917–1921) was in full swing, and the young Ukrainian state sought official symbols to express its sovereignty. Although Kyiv—the heart of the government—fell under Bolshevik occupation, the Central Rada continued its legislative work in the city of Korosten.
On February 25, 1918, the Rada formally adopted “the sign of the Kiev State of the time of St. Volodymyr” as the emblem of the UNR. By referencing the Grand Prince Volodymyr the Great, who ruled Kievan Rus’ in the 10th century, the founders underscored historical continuity from medieval Ruthenia to the modern Ukrainian Republic.
1.2 Confusion of Emblems
During earlier demonstrations and political rallies in March 1917, Ukrainians tested multiple symbols—ranging from a yellow lion on a blue background to the Archangel Michael, a Cossack with a musket, and even crescent-and-stars designs. This proliferation reflected the lack of a single, universally recognized national emblem. However, the blue-and-yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag were universally accepted more quickly.
In response to this emblematic confusion, historian and Chairman of the Central Rada Mykhailo Hrushevskyi published an article in September 1917, urging Ukrainians to reflect on suitable state symbols. Of the many proposed insignias, the ancient Trident of Kievan Rus’ emerged as a strong contender.
2. The Trident’s Formal Adoption
2.1 First Appearance on Banknotes
Before official adoption, the Trident appeared on state credit notes approved in December 1917. The banknote design featured “white prints of the Vladimir sign” (Volodymyr’s trident), effectively making it the first instance of the Trident’s use by Ukrainian state institutions.
2.2 The Decision in Korosten
On February 25, 1918, the Council of Ministers proposed the law on adopting the “coat of arms of Volodymyr the Great”—which the Ukrainian Navy had already used. Just a few days later, on March 1, the Central Rada ratified the new emblem in the city of Korosten. This historic vote established the Trident as the symbol of the Ukrainian People’s Republic. In 2006, a memorial monument was unveiled at the Korosten railway station to commemorate the emblem’s approval.
2.3 The Trident Through Changing Regimes
The Trident served as the official symbol not only under the UNR but also during and after the Hetmanate (Pavlo Skoropadsky’s rule) and the subsequent UNR government in exile. Its status was reaffirmed on February 19, 1992—nearly six months after Ukraine declared independence in 1991—when the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Trident as the Small Coat of Arms of Ukraine, making it a core element of the planned Great State Coat of Arms.
3. Cultural and Symbolic Significance
3.1 The Meaning of a “Coat of Arms”
The term “coat of arms” (from the German erbe, meaning “heritage”) denotes an emblem or hereditary sign that conveys historical tradition. For a sovereign state, this emblem appears on official documents, government seals, banknotes, postage stamps, and letterheads, projecting the country’s identity domestically and internationally.
3.2 Ancient Roots
By referencing Prince Volodymyr the Great, the Trident evokes the legacy of Kievan Rus’. Modern scholars see it as a stylized falcon, a trident spearhead, or even the letters “ВОЛ” in Cyrillic, though its exact origins remain debated. Regardless, it has come to stand for centuries of cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of Ukrainian independence.
3.3 A Symbol of Resistance and Unity
Throughout Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty—whether in the UNR era or in modern conflicts—the Trident has served as a rallying emblem. Following the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, the Trident increasingly symbolizes national unity, courage, and a connection across generations of Ukrainians striving for self-determination and freedom.
4. The Trident Today
4.1 Integration into Modern Statehood
Since re-adoption in 1992, the Trident (also known as the Small Coat of Arms) appears on official state seals, passports, military insignia, and government buildings. Its presence in everyday life is a reminder of Ukraine’s rich historical lineage and unbroken state tradition.
4.2 Symbol of Resolve Against Aggression
During the ongoing resistance to Russia’s aggressions, the Trident’s image often merges with contemporary slogans, art, and apparel—communicating the steadfastness of modern Ukraine in defending its sovereignty. Many see it as a defining icon of Ukrainian identity, from soldiers on the front lines to diaspora communities worldwide.
Conclusion
The Trident (Tryzub) has evolved from an ancient princely seal to a cornerstone of Ukrainian nationhood. One hundred seven years ago, the Central Rada’s formal recognition of this emblem marked a turning point for the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the nation’s quest for self-rule. Today, under renewed assaults on its sovereignty, Ukraine finds in the Trident a potent symbol of historic resilience, cultural heritage, and unwavering aspiration for independence and freedom.
