Jerchel (Gardelegen)
JERCHEL
State : Sachsen-Anhalt
District (Kreis) : Altmarkkreis Salzwedel (until 1994 Gardelegen)
Incorporated into : 2011 Gardelegen
| German |
Gespalten von Grün und Gold; vorn am Spalt ein silbernes zwölfspeichiges Rad, hinten ein Wickenzweig mit 12 grünen Blättern und 12 blauen Blüten. |
| English | blazon wanted |
Origin/meaning
The arms were officially granted on May 5, 2003.
The wheel refers to the 12 original settlers from the 14th century on the area of a drained marshland. They moved in with carriages and wagons, which is symbolised by the wheel.
The plant is a Hairy Vetch (or Fodder vetch, Vicia villosa), a common plant in the area, which historically was used as cattle feed. In the local dialect they are called Gerkeln and it is speculated that the name Jerchel is derived therefrom.