Grossheide

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

GROSSHEIDE

State : Niedersachsen
District (Kreis) : Aurich (until 1976 Norden)
Additions : 1976 Arle, Berumerfehn, Menstede-Coldinne, Westerende

Origin/meaning:
The crosier is taken from the arms of Menstede-Coldinne. The spade is a typical tool used in the moors during many centuries. The moors are now cultivated. The acorn symbolises the sandy parts of the municipality, the so-called Geestrücken, which are typically grown with oak trees. The plough iron is taken from the old arms of Grossheide, see below, and Westerende. The spurs are taken from the arms of the city of Norden and were part of most of the former arms. The black colour symbolises the peat. The combination black and silver also forms the colours of Preussen (Prussia), as the area was developed at the initiative of Emperor Friedrich the Great.

The previous arms show the former moors (reed mace) which were gradually cultivated (plough). The two villages in the municipality are symbolised by the two plants.

Literature : Leiner, K. : Panorama Norden, Norden, 1972; www.grossheide.de