Snow leopard as a symbol: where and how the image of the snow leopard is used

The snow leopard is a mysterious and mysterious animal, and therefore it is not surprising that its image is covered with myths and legends, endowed with special symbolism. He has won a place in the culture of many nations — and today we will talk about the use of the image of the snow leopard in heraldry, numismatics, philately and the design of important state awards.

Heraldry is an ancient science with strict traditions and practices of using certain images. Unfortunately, the snow leopard is not one of the historically established images — in classical heraldry, the image of this beast is not found. The heraldic figure is his namesake leopard, also known as pardus or leopard. The names of these animals have long been used synonymously, which has caused some confusion.

Nevertheless, the image of the snow leopard is quite common in modern heraldry. It symbolizes strength and courage, bravery, nobility. It is also a symbol of good luck and happiness. In some cases, the heraldic leopard is depicted with wings — the wings symbolize patronage and protection.

The white leopard on the coat of arms today is interpreted precisely as a snow leopard. The image of the snow leopard can be seen on the coats of arms of several cities and municipalities:
• cities of Kazakhstan — Alma Ata, Astana, Taraz;
• Bishkek and Samarkand cities;
• Chedi-Kholsky kozhuun of the Republic of Tyva;
• The Republic of Tatarstan;
• Republic of Khakassia.

A recognizable spotted snow leopard adorns the coat of arms of the Shushensky and Ermakovsky districts of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. In addition, the winged snow leopard can be seen on the coats of arms of the major subjects of the Russian Federation — Tatarstan and Khakassia.

The stamp with the image of a snow leopard on a mountain appeared in 1987, it was published in the series "From the Red Book of the USSR". In 2006, another stamp was released in Russia, with an image of a reclining snow leopard and an indication of its type in Russian and Latin. You can also mention a 1998 stamp from Kazakhstan — it depicts a snow leopard against a background of snow-covered rocks.

The image of the snow leopard entered numismatics in 2000. Kazakhstan imprinted this beast on its banknotes — a graceful crouching beast decorated the reverse of a silver commemorative coin with a face value of 500 tenge. The coin is part of the series "Commemorative coins of Kazakhstan" and is called "Red Book of Kazakhstan: Snow Leopard". In 2023, new banknotes with a face value of 10,000 tenge were issued in the country — bright colored bills are also decorated with silhouettes of big cats of the mountains.

In 2000, a series of coins "Let's Save our World" was released in Russia. In this series, the snow leopard decorated the following coins:
• 50 rubles, gold — a leopard’s head on the reverse;
• 100 rubles, gold — a leopard ready to jump on a tree trunk;
• 25 rubles, silver — snow leopard on a tree;
• 50 rubles, silver — a pair of snow leopards on vacation.

In 2012, Kyrgyzstan issued a similar coin. The 10 som commemorative coin is decorated with an elegant and delicate coinage — a snow leopard is proudly reclining on a rock and baring its teeth. The coin is made of silver.

The snow leopard is a resident of the highlands, and its cultural image is closely associated with snow-capped peaks. This is probably why the proud title "snow leopard" The climbers who received the badge were unofficially awarded "Conqueror of the highest mountains of the USSR"‎. It is important to note that there is no leopard image on the token itself in its original design.

Not so long ago, the token experienced a triumphant return — now it is called "The Conqueror of the highest mountains of the Pamirs and Tien Shan." The appearance of the award has also been updated — the inscription "Snow Leopard" has appeared on the updated token‎.

Among the official awards of Kyrgyzstan, there was also a place for the image of a leopard — his image is decorated with the "Erdik" medal, which is awarded for courage and bravery. In Kazakhstan, there is the Barys Order, which is awarded for special merits. ‎

Celebrations in honor of certain animal species help to draw public attention to the problems of their conservation. The snow leopard also has such a holiday — International Snow Leopard Day is celebrated every year on October 23. The date was chosen in 2013 at the International Snow Leopard Protection Forum, which was held in Bishkek.

In addition, Altai celebrates its own Snow Leopard Day — the annual holiday is held on May 26. This is a major festival, which attracts guests from neighboring countries, where this animal lives, and from other parts of the world. And 2022 was declared the Year of the Snow Leopard in this republic.