Do you remember the first time you noticed the symbols of the Empire and Rebellion appear in the original trilogy? The Imperial insignia can be seen on uniforms, and the Rebel Alliance starbird appears on the helmets of the X-wing pilots who take on the Death Star. Symbols like those appear throughout the Star Wars universe in the films, television series, books, games, and comics. Like emblems in our world, the symbols allow you to tell which organization someone has pledged his or her allegiance to with a quick glance. Here are five such symbols from the galaxy far, far away:
1. Rebel Alliance
The Rebel Alliance stood against the Galactic Empire in the original trilogy and after years of fighting, the Rebellion eventually signed a concordance with the Empire. Their symbol, a starbird, is most often spotted on pilots’ helmets and can also be seen on uniforms on the Resistance base in The Force Awakens. The design may have roots in the phoenix/starbird graffiti Sabine Wren leaves behind in Star Wars Rebels.
2. Galactic Empire
When Sheev Palpatine formed the Galactic Empire, he adopted a different version of the Galactic Republic’s crest. The new cog with six spokes was used throughout the organization. It’s visible on uniforms, flags, and even propaganda posters. The symbol is associated with the might of the Empire, and its presence on a world signifies Imperial control. In other words, the Empire knew how to brand itself.
3. First Order
Though the remnants of the Empire signed the Galactic Concordance with the New Republic, not everyone wanted peace. The First Order rose from the ashes of the Empire. Like the Imperial crest, the First Order’s new insignia is prominently featured on uniforms and displays throughout their operations. It’s distinctive from the Imperial crest and represents a very different institution.
4. Galactic Republic
Often referred to as the Republic, the Galactic Republic governed the galaxy before the Clone Wars and the rise of the Galactic Empire. The Republic was allied with the Jedi Order and managed the universe through the Galactic Senate. The Republic’s insignia was an eight-spoked cog.
5. Jedi Order
The Jedi Order was all about peace until the Clone Wars. Though a few Jedi survived Order 66 and the purge that followed, the Order as it was in the days of the Galactic Republic is no more. Their symbol of wings and what looks like a shining light represents their role and beliefs.
Do you have tattoos featuring any of these symbols? Share links in the comments or send me photos on Twitter — be sure to tag @StarWars!
Amy Ratcliffe is a writer obsessed with Star Wars, Disney, and coffee. Follow her on Twitter at @amy_geek.
