Reference

The Orange Free State switched its coat of arms in 1937 due to a desire to establish a distinct identity that reflected its heritage and aspirations. The original coat of arms, granted during colonial times, was seen as outdated and not representative of the region's evolving identity and status. The new design aimed to incorporate symbols that resonated more closely with the cultural and historical significance of the Orange Free State, aligning with broader national identity shifts occurring in South Africa during that period.