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Belgische Gemeentewapens - Armories communales de Belgique Belgian Civic Heraldry

MONS

Province : Hainaut
Additions : 1971 Cuesmes, Hyon, Ghlin, Nimy, Obourg (1964 Saint-Denis); 1976 Ciply, Harmignies, Harveng, Havré, Jemappes, Maisières, Mesvin, Nouvelles, Saint Symphorien, Spiennes, Villers-Saint-Ghislain

Origin/meaning :

The arms were granted on April 15, 1818 and confirmed on January 25, 1842. The arms are officially crowned with a golden crown.

The arms are based on the oldest seals of the city and show a walled city. Mons was already mentioned as a fortified and walled city in the 12^th century. Above the gate is the quartered shield of the Counts of Hainaut, as Mons was the original capital of the county Hainaut since 1295.

The oldest seal dates from 1218 and only shows a tower and wall. The contra-seal, however, showed the oldest arms of the Counts of Hainaut, three chevrons. Later 13^th century seals show a similar composition as on the present arms.
The dog in the gate never was shown on the seals or official arms prior to 1818. The dog appears, however, on the city hall in the 15^th century and on coins form the 17^th century minted in the city. The dog probably is a symbol of vigilance.

Literature : Servais, 1955

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