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Belgische Gemeentewapens - Armories communales de Belgique Belgian Civic Heraldry

TIENEN

Province : Vlaams Brabant
Additions : 1970 Bost, Oorbeek; 1976 Goetsenhoven, Hakendover, Kumtich (1970 Vissenaken), Oplinter, Sint Margriete Houtem

Origin/meaning :

The arms were granted in 1818 and confirmed on January 15, 1841.

Tienen is one of the oldest cities in Belgium and received city rights in 1168. The oldest symbol of Tienen was the Paschal Lamb or Agnus Dei. The lamb appeared on the coins struck in the city in the 12^th century and also on the oldest known seal dating from 1229. On the seal the lamb wears a collar with a small shield with a bar. The origin of this small shield is not known, but according to legend it was granted to the city by Duke Jan van Brabant in the 13^th century. A later seal, from 1398, also shows an Agnus Dei with the above arms.
The great seals of the late 14^th century show now two lambs as supporters of the shield, the same composition that was used in the early 19^th century as official arms of the city.

During the reign of Napoleon the city received arms on March 25, 1813, that showed only the shield, with in the upper corner a letter N with a star, symbol of a city of the second rank. No supporters were used.

Literature : Servais, 1955; image from www.tienen.be

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