Herford (kreis)

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

HERFORD (HF)

State : Nordrhein-Westfalen

Origin/meaning :
The arms were granted on April 5, 1946.

The arms show the legendary Horse of Sachsen, the symbol of Niedersachsen and Westfalen. The horse is said to be derived from the symbol of Duke Widukind of Sachsen. In Enger in the district is the grave of this Duke, as well as a shrine. According to legend, Widukind first used a black horse, which he changed to a white horse after he was baptised.

The previous arms were granted on August 10, 1938.

The cross was a solar-symbol and used ofen on farmhouses in the region, but due to its similarity with the swastika it was removed in 1946.

Literature : Stadler, K. : Deutsche Wappen - Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Angelsachsen Verlag, 1964-1971, 8 volumes. [[Category:Granted 38