The emblem of
Riga was approved in 1925.
It was created on the basis of the emblem of the city of 1660 with
some minor changes. Up to then the emblem had undergone many changes
and additions, mainly connected with various ruling political power
in the city.
The emblem of
Riga is seen on the seals of
documents around 1225. Two elements of this old emblem have come to
our day: the picture of a wall with two touwers, symbolizing the
independence of the city, and two crossed keys of St. Peter,
denoting the competition of the power of the Bishop and that of the
Livonian Order.
In the 14th century when
Riga was governed by the
Order, the cross of the order appeared in the emblem above the two
keys, and a lion's head in the gateway symbolized courage of the
city dwellers.
In the 16th century two
lions were added to the emblem and the latest element of the present
emblem - the crown of the king of
Sweden - appeared in 1660
under the rule of Sweden.
The city banner approved
in 1937 is based on the colours of Riga ships' banners - white
and blue - of the 17th century, and completed by the emblem of
Riga. The blue colour of the
banner was taken from the Swedes, but in combination with white
symbolize the connection of Riga with the
Baltic
Sea.
Source:
"Riga a city to discover"
The Emblem and Banner 
