Birstein

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

BIRSTEIN

State : Hessen
District (Kreis) : Main-Kinzig Kreis (until 1974 Gelnhausen)
Additions : 1971 Bösgesäß, Bös-Gesäß, Fischborn, Hettersroth, Kirchbracht, Oberreichenbach ; 1972, Illnhausen, Unterreichenbach, Untersotzbach; 1974 Oberland (1971 Lichenroth, Mauswinkel, Völzberg, Wüstwillenroth, Wettges), Obersotzbach

Official blazon

In Silber zwei schwarze Balken, belegt mit einem blauen schräglinks laufenden Wellenbalken und rechts oben mit einem Mühlrad in verwechselten Farben mit 16 Schaufeln.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on ??

The two black bars are taken from the arms of the Counts of Isenburg(-Birstein), who played an important role in the local history. The wavy bend symbolises the many (small) streams in the municipality, such as the Salz, Bracht and Reichenbach. The water-mill wheel symbolises the many former water-mills in these rivers.

The 16 blades refer to the 16 villages and hamlets in the municipality.