State Customs authorities of the Republic of Belarus
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.
Caduceus or staff is entwined by two serpents, surmounted by Mercury's wings. It is an important element of heraldry symbols of customs services of many countries, primarily in Europe. Crossover caduceus with a key is a heraldic symbol of customs service of the Republic of Belarus. The list of countries using the caduceus in heraldry of their customs departments has dozens of positions.
Caduceus (Greek Karykeion, Latin Caduceator - negotiator) - a symbol of the Roman god Mercury (in Greek mythology - the god Hermes), the messenger of the gods, the patron of heralds, ambassadors, trade and travelers, many crafts and magic. In his hand Mercury held a caduceus, a magic crosier. It opens all the ways to him and appeases strangers. The symbol is very ancient, it was found in India on stone tablets in front of the ancient temples. There is a legend about the origin of the crosier. When Hermes instead of a magic pipe received a crosier of peace from Apollo, a golden cane, he immediately decided to try it. He saw two serpents were fighting and put the stuff between them. Serpents immediately calmed down and wrapped around the cane
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): green is a symbol of resurrection and updating, in the secular sense it is a symbol of youth, blossom, freedom, peace, nobility, honor, hope, joy and abundance. This is the color of stability and reliability. There is a green color on the flag of the Republic of Belarus.
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.
The Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 47 of January 23, 2014 «"On the Establishment of the Banner of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Belarus», the Banner of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Belarus – especially honorary symbol, which is a symbol of honor, valor and glory, serving as a reminder to every official of the customs bodies of the Republic of Belarus of the fidelity of the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, the need for impeccable performance of duties on protecting the economic interests of the Republic of Belarus, preventing and suppressing smuggling, other crimes, administrative offenses against the order customs regulation, compliance with the customs legislation of the Customs Union and the legislation of the Republic Belarus on customs regulation.
The submission of the SCC are educational institution "State Institute of improvement of professional skill and retraining of customs bodies of the Republic of Belarus" and the Republican Unitary Enterprise "Beltamozhservice":
