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Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)
German Civic Heraldry

WANFRIED

State : Hessen
District (Kreis) : Werra-Meissner Kreis (until 1974 Eschwege)
Additions : 1972 Altenburschla, Aue, Heldra, Völkershausen

Origin/meaning:
Wanfried received city rights in 1608 by Markgrave Moritz of Hessen, but the oldest seal already dates from 1578. The seal shows the knight with a sword and spear. Ever since the knight has been the arms of the city. The image itself has changed considerably, sometimes a whole knight, sometimes a torso, with or without spear etc. The present image has been in use since the end of the 19th century.
The origin of the knight is not known. It has been stated in a document from 1613 that it is St. Bonifatius, but this is not likely. It has also been explained as a canting symbol (Wahr'n Fried, or peace-keeper), but the origin remains uncertain.

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


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