Concerning this channels Name:
Helvetia is the female personification of Switzerland. The image on the title page of a book from 1642 is considered the first iconographic depiction of Helvetia where she bears symbols of agriculture, which primarily represent abundance, and should therefore be interpreted as purely geographical. Initially, she had to share her role with male figures, but in the 18th century, the female figures became increasingly prevalent – with Helvetia featuring alongside other female figures from Antiquity.
As Swiss national identity grew in the 19th century, and in connection with the founding of the Swiss federal state in 1848, Helvetia increasingly became politicised. She started to feature weapons (spear or sword) and a shield. There was also a desire to promote the idea of Switzerland as a nation, as before people would identify more with their respective canton(province). This is how Helvetia came to be the face of the new Switzerland so to speak. The first coin embossed with her image was issued in 1850 and she first appeared on a postage stamp in 1854. The official Latin name for the Swiss Confederation – Confœderatio helvetica (CH) – was also testament to her rising profile in the national consciousness.
