Bears in heraldry

Bears in heraldry

The bear is a common charge in heraldry, inherited from its totemic use among Germanic peoplescite book | author = Pastoureau, Michel | title = L’ours; Histoire d’un roi dechu | year = 2007 | pages = pp.419 | id = ISBN 202021542X ] and interpreted as symbolizing strength, cunning and ferocity in the protection of one's kindred. [ [http://www.fleurdelis.com/meanings.htm The Meanings Behind the Symbols: Family Crests, Blazons, Coat of Arms, Personalized Crests ] ] 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.cite book | author = Brown, Gary | title = Great Bear Almanac | year = 1996 | pages = pp.340 | id = ISBN 1558214747]

The saddled bear of Saint Corbinian's legend is the heraldic symbol of Freising, Bavaria, and the Diocese of Munich and Freising.

ee also

*Bear: Culture: Myth and legend

References


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