Bears in heraldry
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The bear is a common charge in heraldry, inherited from its totemic use among Germanic peoples[1] and interpreted as symbolizing strength, cunning and ferocity in the protection of one's kindred.[2] Numerous cities around the world have adopted the bear in their arms, notably the Swiss capital Bern, which takes its name from the German for bear, Bär. The bear is also the name-emblem of Berlin Bärlein meaning small bear. In Switzerland, heraldic bears had to be painted with bright red penises, or be mocked for using she-bears. The omission of this led to a war in 1579 between St. Gallen and the canton of Appenzell.[3]
The saddled bear of Saint Corbinian's legend is the heraldic symbol of Freising, Bavaria, and the Diocese of Munich and Freising.
[edit] See also
- Bear: Culture: Myth and legend
[edit] References
- ^ Pastoureau, Michel (2007). L’ours; Histoire d’un roi dechu, pp.419. ISBN 202021542X.
- ^ http://www.fleurdelis.com/meanings.htm
- ^ Brown, Gary (1996). Great Bear Almanac, pp.340. ISBN 1558214747.
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