Biedenkopf
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Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen) |
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BIEDENKOPF
State : Hessen
District (Kreis) : Marburg-Biedenkopf (until 1973 Biedenkopf)
Additions : 1971 Dexbach, Eckelshausen, Engelbach, Kombach; 1974 Breidenstein, Katzenbach, Wallau, Weifenbach
Official blason:
In Blau über silberner Zinnenmauer drei silberne Türme – der mittlere bezinnt, die beiden kleineren Seitentürme mit rotem Kegeldach und goldenem Knauf; beiderseits des Mitteldachs ein goldenes Vierblatt; unter der Mauer in Rot ein schreitender goldener Löwe.
Origin/meaning :
The arms were officially granted in 1909 and again on July 24, 1975.
The arms are derived from the oldest known seal of the city, known since 1259. The seal shows a city wall and a lion in the base (see below). The lion most likely is the lion of Hessen, as the city has always been a possession of the Counts of Hessen. The seal does not show the bars on the lion though. The lion is mostly shown as the lion of the Welfen family, who ruled much more North in Germany. The origin of the colours is thus not clear.
 The seal from 1259. |
Hupp showed the arms rather different in the Kaffee Hag albums; the basic design is the same, but the lion is clearly shown as the lion of Hessen and the two flowers between the towers are missing.
 The arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925 |
Literature : Stadler, 1964-1971, 8 volumes and http://www.hessennet.de/biedenkopf/portrat/wappen