Catherine II approved the Nizhny Novgorod Emblem in 1781. It features a red deer with black antlers and hoofs on the white background.

In the heraldic science, the deer symbolizes nobility and loyalty. Perhaps it personifies Nizhegorodians' heroism during the 1611-1612 patriotic campaign led by Minin and Pozharsky.

By the materials of book "Anniversary Nizhny"