National and historical symbols of Hungary

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Okány

(The County of Békés)

Shield erect, the base curved to a point, party per fess by a bar or. It bears: azure, in chief a moon decrescent argent to the dexter and a sixteen-pointed sun rayonnant or to the sinister. Above the bar or a pelican in piety argent, below the bar in the base a garb or.

The colour blue symbolises purity, truth and fidelity. The Sun and the Moon are always represented in pair, since the symbolism of the Moon is defined with relation to the Sun. The Moon, a celestial body respected since ancient times, symbolises transformation, repetition, growth, rebirth and recommencement. It gains light from the Sun.

The pelican is the symbol of self-sacrifice, whereas the garb is that of fertility and the eternal revival of life. This way it refers to Okány's agricultural past.

Okány's history, the struggles of the past, and local life have been able to be followed through with attention since the settlement first appeared in written documents in 1220, during the reign of King Andrew II.

The village, which lies in the vicinity of the Sebes-Körös River, has belonged to the county Békés since 1951. Local economy is based on agriculture. Both from economic and social points of view, Okány can be considered as a disadvantaged settlement. Industrial activity is negligable, and the income from agriculture is also low. On the other hand, the basics of infrastructure, health care, culture and education, as well as administrative and commercial services are provided. Most villagers are Hungarians and follow the Calvinist faith.

On 1 January 1999 the population of the Settlement was 3079.

E-mail: okany@mail.westel.hu

Pictures:

1, The village hall and the church

2, The garden of remembrance

3, The fishing pond

4, The school