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Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)
German Civic Heraldry

HERFORD

(HF)

State : Nordrhein-Westfalen

Origin/meaning:
The arms were granted on August 10, 1938, slighly altered on April 5, 1946 and reconfirmed on January 5, 1970.

The arms show the legendary Horse of Sachsen, the symbol of Niedersachsen and Westfalen. The horse is said to be derived from the symbol of Duke Widukind of Sachsen. In Enger in the district is the grave of this Duke, as well as a shrine. According to legend, Widukind first used a black horse, which he changed to a white horse after he was baptised. Between 1938-1946 a cross was used in the upper right corner, but due to its similarity with the swastika it was removed.

Literature : Stadler, K. : Deutsche Wappen - Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Angelsachsen Verlag, 1964-1971, 8 volumes.



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