The Leo Belgicus[1] (Belgian lion) is a heraldic lion with an origin dating back to the Middle Ages of the Southern Netherlands. This symbol was adopted by the Duchy of Brabant and is now the symbol and national animal of Belgium.[2]
The Heraldic lion was mostly used in the 12th to 13th century in the Southern Netherlands.
The Belgian coat of Arms is based on the Brabantian coat of Arms. This coat of Arms existed of a "Golden lion with red gules and tongue on a black shield" It was first used by Hendry I of Brabant (1165-1235)[3]
The Kingdom of Belgium decided to base its flag and coat of Arms of the symbols used by the United Belgian States. The United Belgian States imerged when the Belgians revolted against Austrian rule over the Southern Netherlands. The Brabantian population of Belgium was the pulling force after this revolt. After this a strong Brabantian and Belgian nationality arose in the Southern Netherlands. This is why the Leo Belgicus (or Brabantian lion) became the symbol of the United Belgian states and eventually the Kingdom of Belgium[4]
The choice of using a lion as a heraldic symbol in the Duchy of Brabant (1183 – 1795) and the Southern Netherlands has a deep historic meaning. The lion was mostly used in the Middle Ages and was one of the most popular heraldic animals in Europe, mostly because it stood for power, courage and Royalty. As king of all animals was the lion the ideal symbol for Kingdoms, Duchies and Counties.
In the Southern Netherlands was the lion an important heraldic emblem for different Kingdoms. In the County of Flanders (862-1795), A Black lion on a yellow shield was first used by Philip of Alsace (1168 - 1191). The lion was used by various other Kingdoms in the Southern Netherlands such as: Hainaut, Namur, Limburg and many more.
The Brabantian lion, A golden lion on a black shield, it was adopted around 1190 by the Duchy of Brabant en would later become the basis of the Leo Belgicus and the Belgian coat of arms and flag.
Duchy of Brabant
The Brabantian lion is the heraldic symbol of the Duchy of Brabant, the lion depicten as "a gold lion on a black shield with red gules and tongue" It was first used by Henry I of Brabant (1165-1235). The origin of the lion is probably the older Limburgish lion, which was used by the Duchy of Limburg (1065–1797). Through the ages the lion was not only the symbol of Brabant but many kingdoms, counties and duchies in the Southern Netherlands. The symbolc meaning behind the lion in heraldry is strength, courage and royalty. There were ment to represent the kingdom, duchy of county and their king, duke or count. As they wanted to appear strong, courageous and a good king.
United Belgian States
The Brabant Lion not only has an important place in the history of the Duchy of Brabant, but also in the United Belgian States. During the Brabant Revolution (1790), which was the height of the resistance against Habsburg rule over the Southern Netherlands. The revolution led to the temporary establishment of the Brabant Republic. During this short period, the Brabant Lion was used to symbolize the renewed national identity and was incorporated into the flag and coats of arms of the United Belgian States. Although the Habsburgs eventually regained control of the region and the Brabant Lion remained a powerful symbol of regional pride and the struggle for autonomy of the Belgian people.[5]
United Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Brabant lion has also played an important role in the history of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, both in the early days of the kingdom and in the symbolism of the various provinces that emerged from the historic Duchy of Brabant
The Brabantian lion is one of the oldest and most significant symbols in Belgian heraldry. The Brabantian lion played a central role in the foundation of the United Belgian States (1790), a federation of regions that resisted Austrian rule. This uprising was quickly suppressed, but the idea of Belgian identity and the use of the lion as a symbol remained important, especially during the subsequent changes in the region. When Belgium gained its independence from the Netherlands in 1830, the Brabantian lion once again became a symbol of national pride for the Belgians that had once been part of the Duchy of Brabant. It was then officially used on the Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Belgium on 25 March 1937[6]
Heraldry and flags
The Leo Belgicus on window mosaic in the Sint-Martinus church in Koekelare
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