Gerbstedt

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

GERBSTEDT

State : Sachsen-Anhalt
District (Kreis) : Mansfeld-Südharz (until 2008 Mansfelder Land)
Additions : 2010 Augsdorf, Freist, Friedeburg, Friedeburgerhütte, Heiligenthal, Hübitz, Ihlewitz, Rottelsdorf, Siersleben, Welfesholz, Zabenstedt

Official blazon

In Silber der heilige Stephanus mit schwarzen Haaren, blauem Gewand und grünem Palmenwedel in der rechten Hand, wachsend hinter zwei nebeneinander stehenden Halbrundschilden, der rechte golden mit linearem schwarzen Hexagramm - darin ein grünes Kleeblatt, der linke Rot über Silber geteilt.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on ??

The arms of Gerbstedt show the patron saint of the city as well of the Halberstadt Convent, St. Stephanus. The city historically was ruled by the convent. The two shields in front of the saint show the arms of Halberstadt (left) and a pentagram with trefoil (right). The meaning and origin of the latter shield is unknown. It has been stated that the pentagramme is the old city symbol, whereas the trefoil; may be the symbol of the Benedictan Order. The composition already appeared on 14th century seals of the city ans have been used on a shield since the 1880s. During the DDR times the arms were slightly changed; the saint was replaced by a woman holding a wheat ear and a fish, as symbols for agriculture and fisheries. The colours of the two lower shields were also changed.