Swedish Civic Heraldry
MEDELPAD
Origin/meaning :
The oldest known symbol for Medelpad dates from the 1570s and shows a shield with a beaver and a tree branch. These two symbolise the two main activities at the time, hunting and forestry. In the early 17th century this composition was replaced by a shield with two (or three) wavy bars, probably symbolising the Ljungan and Indalsälv rivers. Ever since this has been used as the main composition in arms for the province, in the 17th and 18th century, however, often a fish was placed between the bars. The present composition was officially granted in 1941.
Literature : Nevéus and de Waern, 1992