The Lion and Sun: A Symbol of Iran's Heritage

For the Australian Lion and Sun Association, the Lion and Sun is more than a logo. It connects our community in Australia with Iran's history, cultural identity and hopes for the future. But where does this emblem come from, and what does it mean?

What Is the Lion and Sun?

The Lion and Sun — known in Persian as Shir-o-Khorshid (شیر و خورشید) — combines a lion with a radiant sun behind it. In its familiar modern form, the lion holds a sword.

The design developed over centuries rather than appearing fully formed in ancient times. Its history is a reminder that symbols can endure while their meanings change.

A Symbol Shaped by History

The combined motif is documented in medieval imagery and became an established emblem of Iran under the Safavid dynasty. Later, Qajar rulers further developed its official use. It remained on Iran's national flag during the Pahlavi era and was replaced following the 1979 revolution.

Its meanings have included royal, religious and national interpretations. No single explanation captures every period of its history.

A Humanitarian Connection

The emblem also has a distinct humanitarian history. Iran formerly used the Red Lion and Sun for its national relief society. In 1980, Iran adopted the Red Crescent in its place.

This historical connection should not be confused with an organisational affiliation: our association's name and logo do not imply membership of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

What It Means to Us

For ALSA, the lion represents courage and the resolve to protect our people's dignity. The sun represents light, life and hope for a free Iran. These are the values we choose to express through the emblem today.

We recognise that people may relate to the Lion and Sun through different cultural, family or political histories. Our purpose here is to explain both its historical significance and our own connection to it.

Carrying Our Heritage Forward in Australia

Our emblem connects remembrance with responsibility: preserving Iranian culture, sharing it with the wider Australian community and passing it on to future generations.

For us, carrying the Lion and Sun means honouring where we come from while contributing to the society we now call home — with courage, dignity and a commitment to freedom.