Macau

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of China

MACAU (澳門)

Status: Special administrative district

Origin/Meaning:
Macau does not have a true heraldic arms, but uses the above symbol.

From the 17th century until 1999 Macau was a Portuguese colony.

In the 19th century the colony did not have true arms, but used the Portuguese national arms, surrounded by the motto Cidade do nome de Deus, não há outra mais Leal (Portuguese for City of the Name of God, there is none more Loyal).

In the 20th century all Portuguese colonies were granted arms based on a similar design; the small shields of the arms of Portugal in the upper right, a local symbol in the upper left and the base with waves (for 'overseas' territories). Initially Macau used the Chinese dragon on its historical colours (gold on black), which, on May 8, 1935, were replaced by a golden dragon in blue.
Due to a change in status, the arms were chaned in 1951, when the word colony was replaced by overseas province.

The arms of Macau until 1935	The arms of Macau from 1935-1951
The arms of Macau from 1935-1951