The Coat of arms of Burma is used in all official government documents, including publications. The coat of arms has two chinthe (mythical lions) facing opposite one another, and at its center is a map of Burma placed in front of a cogwheel. The coat of arms is surrounded by traditional Burmese flower designs and a star at its top.
The original coat of arms contained, on the banner, which translates "Union of Myanmar". As well as it carries three lions (the lion at the top was replaced by a star). Additionally, the cogwheel was a circle surrounded by the Burmese words (MLC Transcription System: ta.pau; tha-baw). However, during Ne Win's Socialist rule, the coat of arms was modified to accommodate a cogwheel and dual olive wreaths. The words were also modified.
The Burmese coat of arms continues to contain Socialist influences, namely the cogwheel and the star. The coat of arms shown (emblem/picture) at the side of this page is written in Burmese says Pyidaungsu Socialist Thamada Myanmar-naing-gan-daw which actually means "Union of Socialist Myanmar".
