Dzūkija
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DZŪKIJA REGION
Official blazon
Origin/meaning
The arms were confirmed on February 25, 2003.
The name Dzūkija appeared in the 19th century as the remark of local dialectic feature: the "d" of standard Lithuanian language pronounced as "dz". The region exists since the 14th century, when the Trakai duchy was separated from the early Lithuania duchy. During the administrative reform of 1564-1566 a few districts were established in the Trakai province, and the Trakai district (pavietas) became the craddle of the ethnic group of Southeastern Lithuanians, later known as Dzukai.
Dzūkija is the heart of former Trakai province, so the heraldry of the Trakai land was to be used. Initially, the Trakai duchy used the arms of the Trakai dukes: a standing knight with sword and shield. In the mid 15th century the arms of land were distinguished from the ducal arms: the sword was replaced with the lance. In the early 17th century the lance was replaced with the halberd.
The early (gothic) design of arms with the lance and the "Gediminas gate" badge on shield is already used for the arms of Trakai district municipality. So the renaissance design with halberd is appointed to Dzūkija, also replacing the knight's shield with Baltic shield. The blue background of arms is the traditional color of Trakai province banners. It symbolizes the sky, fidelity and fortitude.
The small and grand arms were created. The grand arms has supporters: two lynxes, symbolizing the woodland. The motto "EX GENTE BELLICOSISSIMA POPULUS LABORIOSUS" ("From most warlike tribe - the laborious people") reminds the 12th century Pope's words that Yotvingians (the partial ancestors of Dzukai) are the most warlike people ("gente bellicosissima").
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Literature : Information and image provided by Virginijus Misiunas, Vilnius.