Bebra

BEBRA

State : Hessen
District (Kreis) : Hersfeld-Rotenburg (until 1973 Rotenburg)
Additions : 1972 Asmushausen, Blankenheim, Braunhausen, Breitenbach, Gilfershausen, Iba, Imshausen, Lüdersdorf, Rautenhausen, Solz, Weiterode

Official blazon

German	In Rot einen silbernen, aufrecht stehenden Biber über zwei schräg gekreuzten Schienenpaaren.
English	No blazon/translation known. Please click here to send your (heraldic !) blazon or translation

Origin/meaning

Bebra developed into a large town in the late 19^th century as it was situated on some major railway lines. In 1935 Bebra received city rights. As no historical arms were known, the new arms were devised and granted in 1930.

The beaver (Biber) is a canting symbol, the name is derived from Biberahe (or Biberwassser, beaver-water). The lower part of the arms symbolises the importance of the railway lines in the development of the city. The colours are derived from the colours of the Hersfeld Abbey, which ruled the area for many centuries.

Literature: Stadler, 1964-1971, 8 volumes.