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Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen) German Civic Heraldry

MASSENHEIM

State : Hessen
District (Kreis) : Main-Taunus Kreis
Incorporated into : 1977 Hochheim am Main

Origin/meaning:
The arms were proposed in 1956, I have no idea whether the arms were actually granted.

The village historically was a possession of the Abbey of Fulda, and later of the Lords of Eppstein and the Counts of Hessen. In 1803 the village became part of Hessen-Nassau. The arms refer to the century-long rule of the Bishop-Abbotts of Fulda, which is shown by the black cross of the diocese of Fulda and the mitre as a symbol for the Bishops. The cross also refers to the local church, which is devoted to the Holy Cross.

The oldest known seal of the village council, known from 1575-1629, as well as the second seal, known from 1650, show a standing bishop, holding a crosier and book. These obviously refer to the Bishops of Fulda. The 18th century seal shows a pilgrim. In the 19th and early 20th century the seals showed only the lion of Hessen or Nassau. Only in 1935 a new seal was made, again with the pilgrim. The above proposal returned to the oldest seals, but translated in a more heraldic design.

Literature : Hessisches Wappenbuch, 1956

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