Skip to content
Lion and Sun Association

About the symbol

Lion & Sun — a symbol for freedom and identity

The Lion and Sun symbol is a historic Iranian emblem with roots spanning several centuries of culture and identity. It represents, for many today, a connection to Iran's cultural heritage as well as a pursuit of freedom and national self-determination.


Historical background

The symbol of a lion with a sun has existed in Persian visual culture since the medieval period. It has been used in various contexts throughout Iran's history — from royal seals to state heraldry — and carries within it multiple layers of cultural and political meaning.

As a unifying symbol

Within LSA, the symbol is used as a unifying and recognizable marker for engagement in issues related to democracy, human rights, and hope for the future. It does not represent a political party or specific movement, but a shared heritage.

For the Iranian diaspora

The symbol serves a special purpose for younger generations in the diaspora, who may find themselves navigating between different cultural contexts. By offering an accessible and inclusive connection to cultural roots, LSA aims to strengthen identity, belonging and participation.

Our use

LSA uses the symbol to mark cultural continuity and to honour the Iranian identity. We believe that a strong cultural grounding helps young people navigate their roles in the societies they live in — and to contribute with both grounding and perspective.


Further reading

  • Najmabadi, Afsaneh — Women with Mustaches and Men without Beards (2005)
  • Shahbazi, A. Shapur — «Lion and Sun» in Encyclopædia Iranica
  • Soucek, Priscilla — Iconography in Persian Manuscripts (1988)