History And Significance of Lion Emblem

The emblem of insignia is indeed a matter of utmost importance to an organization of international character or to a country, which is a member of the comity of nations. It is very important for everyone who becomes a member of the Lion Emblem. For the benefit of those who have joined the ranks of Lions in our district in recent months, a brief history of Lion Emblem and some vital aspects of the significance of official insignia of Lions Club International is given hereunder.

In 1919 when consideration was being given to adoption of an official emblem for the International Association of Lions Clubs two groups brought pressure to bear, One group wanted the simple letter, “L” in color gold background the other wanted Rose Benheur’s famous painting of a Lion’s head as the official insignia. The Final design was a compromise of the letter “L” between two ‘Lions’ profiles with word Lions International. It was approved by the international board and become the official emblem on December 31, 1921. Today that emblem is the most widely worn symbol of service in the world. It appears on the lapel of more than 43,700 clubs for the purpose of rendering unselfish service to those in need. Thousands of homeless suffering and handicapped people are grateful for the light of hope this Lion Emblem has brought into their lives.

Who wears the Lions Emblem?
Men of many nationalities many races and creeds, may political and religious beliefs for men of good will on all continent’s men like the President of Philippines and many others who are high in the Councils of Government around the world men like the Mayor of your city, the head of your Council, many influential leaders in the life of your town.

Lion take pride in wearing their emblem and in being member or the Lions Clubs International. They are a part of many human chains of service extending around the globe, ignoring boundaries of nations. We can help our fellow man no matter where he is located. We can fill a human need where it exists because we members of the largest association of Service.

There is a great meaning behind the emblem you wear on your lapel, display on your automobile or show in your place of business. It means that you are an honoured member of the world fellowship, which had joined its hands and hearts in the service of humanity. You are putting something onto life rather only taking something out of it. You can wear and show the Lions Emblem with pride.

Our Emblem, Color, Motto Slogan & Flag
The large “L” in the centre stands for Liberty, Law, Labor, Love, Life, and of course, Lions. The encompassing circle symbolizes Lions Clubs and members of the world over bound together in to one. The Profiles of two Lions looking everywhere for opportunities to sense while the one Lion symbolizes each member of the organization contemplating proudly on the past achievements, the other stands for Lions looking ahead towards a great future for Lionism. The word “LION” at the top represents Association and the word “INTERNATIONAL” at the bottom signifies that it is international in character.

COLORS
PURPLE & GOLD. The Official Colors of the Association were adopted as early as in 1917 during the First Convention. The traditional color for strength, courage and tireless dedication to a cause, PURPLE symbolize Loyalty to One’s country and to one’s friends and for the integrity of the mind and heart. GOLD signifies Sincerity of Purpose, Liberty of Judgment, Purity in Life and Generosity In Mind, Heart and Pulse towards one’s fellowmen

MOTTO
WE SERVE. The International Board approved at the 37th Convention in New York City on July 7th Oct, 1954 adopted WE SERVE as the Official Motto of the Association. The Phrase sent in by a Lion from Canada, was chosen from amongst more than 6,000 entries received from all over the world in response to a call to suggest a motto for the organization.

SLOGAN
LIBERTY, INTELLIGENCE, OUR NATION’S SAFETY. The interpretation given by Halted Ritter of Denver, Colorado, U.S.A. to the letters L-I-O-N-S during the third Convention in Chicago, on 9th Dec. 1919. LIBERTY INTELLIGENCE, OUR NATION’ S SAFETY… was adopted as the Official Slogan of the Association.

FLAG
The Flag of Lionism is golden yellow with a purple border and a six color Emblem in the centre.