Sachsen-Anhalt

From Heraldry of the World

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

SACHSEN-ANHALT

Origin/meaning

The arms of the present State were officially adopted in 1991.

The arms show in the upper part the arms of the former Prussian province of Sachsen, which are slightly different from the ancient arms of Sachsen. In the arms of Sachsen, the upper bar is black. The eagle was added to the arms during the Republic of Weimar. The lower part shows the arms of the Free-State of Anhalt during the Republic of Weimar.

The bear is taken from the original arms of the Princes of Anhalt, and represent the bear of the Estate and city of Bernburg, one of the oldest possessions of the Princes of Anhalt.

Literature : Schurdel, 1995