Historical heraldic symbols as a marker of reproducing and transforming regional identity: The case of Ukraine

This paper demonstrates a way to examine the transformation of territorial shape region. The official symbols (flags and emblems) modern administrative units Ukraine were analyzed for usage heraldic historical regions that lost their status century before. results confirm more or less constant symbolic reproduction regions, but spatial shapes has changed under influence new boundaries. Simultaneously, in certain cases heraldry loses its former meaning is involved into development strengthening identities with rather than ones.