Meinerzhagen

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MEINERZHAGEN

State : Nordrhein-Westfalen
District (Kreis) : Märkischer Kreis (until 1969 Altena)
Amt : Amt Meinerzhagen (until 1969)
Additions : 1969 Valbert

Official blazon

German
English	No blazon/translation known. Please click here to send your (heraldic !) blazon or translation

Origin/meaning

The arms were granted on June 14, 1975.

The arms combine elements of the former rulers in the region. The lion is taken from the arms of the Duchy of Berg, the chequered base from the arms of the Counts of the Mark, as the city was historically part of the County mark. The cross is taken from the Lords Von Badinghagen, who had several possessions in the former Amt Meinerzhagen. The horn is taken from the former arms of Valbert.

Meinerzhagen received in 1765 for the first time city rights, but no arms were granted or used at the time. However, in the middle of the 19^th century the city used a coat of arms, as shown on the local city hall. Although the arms were never officially granted, they were adopted by the city in colour in 1911 and were still mentioned in 1940 as city arms, see image below.

The arms in the Kaffee Hag albums +/- 1925

The arms as shown in 1940

The arms show the local patron saint, St. Mary, and an image of a historical city gate (which probably never existed).

After the merger in 1969 there was much debate whether to officialise the old arms, to take the old arms of Amt Meinerzhagen or to design new arms. Eventually new arms were designed, but it took 6 years before the new arms were finally granted.

Literature: Hostert, 1979; Meyer, 1940