Columns of Gediminas

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The Columns of Gediminas or Pillars of Gediminas (Lithuanian: Gediminaičių stulpai) are one of the earliest symbols of Lithuania and one of its historical coats of arms. They were used in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, initially as a state symbol, and later as a part of heraldic signs of leading aristocracy. During the period between World War I and World War II they were used by the Lithuanian Republic as a minor state symbol, e. g. on coins (see Litas). The more exact name of the symbol is the Colums of Gediminids, since there is no direct connection of it and Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas.

Pillars of Gediminas on a stone on Rambynas hill

Although called after Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas, initially, the symbol was used by Vytautas as his personal insignia since 1397 and appeared on the seal and coins issued by him.^[1] It was possibly derived from a symbol or brand used to mark horses and other property. The columns were later adopted by the descendants of Kęstutis as their family symbol, equivalent to a coat of arms. Until the reign of Jogaila, the symbol was used in conjunction with another other ancient symbol of Lithuania, the Vytis; it was shown on the shield held by the knight.^{[dubious — see talk page]} The Columns of Gediminas are displayed on the left sleeve of Jogaila in one of his best-known portraits, painted by Jan Matejko, although Jogaila's personal insignia was a double cross. The Columns of Gediminas remained in use over the following centuries. After the annexation of Lithuania by the Soviet Union the symbol was officially banned.

It is notable that the ancient pre-Christian symbols of Lithuania did not follow the same strict rules of heraldry as their western counterparts. Thus this symbol was used with different colours, ranging from argent to azure, and was depicted on various shapes of flags, banners and shields.

This symbol also appears in the following form: horizontal line at bottom, vertical lines at both sides. The square at the middle of the horizontal line is about half as tall as the vertical lines. In the center of the square there is another vertical line; the overall appearance is close to a trident. This form is the one usually seen in modern times, often drawn on walls and fences as protest against the Soviet rule of Lithuania.