The coat of arms of El Salvador, which has been in use since September 15, 1912, has medieval gothic influences, as well as geographical, biblical and indigenous symbolic representations. The center of the coat of arms consists of a triangle, in which five volcanoes rise out of the sea. They symbolize the five member states of the United Provinces of Central America. The Phrygian cap, a red hat, tops a staff, and represents liberty. Behind the cap is a golden sun with beaming rays, encircled by the date of Salvadoran independence (September 15, 1821). At the top of the triangle is a rainbow arch in an azure sky which biblically symbolizes peace. Surrounding the triangle are five flags representing the five nations of Central America. Below, there is a scroll which states the national motto of El Salvador: “Dios, Union, Libertad” which means God, Union, Liberty. Branches of laurel frame the triangle, representing victory. The branches are divided into fourteen sections, representing the fourteen departments of El Salvador. Encircling all of this is the full name of the nation, i.e. Repúblicade El Salvador en la Ameríca Central, which translates to Republic of El Salvador in Central America.