Union of Burma, 1948

Upon independence, 4 January 1948, the Union of Burma adopted a Coat of Arms, showing, in a circle, a map of South-East Asia with the sea dark blue, the continent light blue and Burma in white. It is surrounded by a red band with a motto from Verse 194 of the Buddhavagga in the Dhammapada in the Pali language, “Samagganam Tapo Sukho”, which translates to “Happiness through Harmony” or “Well-being through Unity”. On its crest is a “chinthe”, a mythological lion-like creature, often seen at entrances of pagodas and temples. It is flanked by two chinthes and lambrequins (ornamental draperies) in gold; the country's name in Burmese script appears on a scroll at the bottom.