Giessen (Hessen)

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

GIESSEN

State : Hessen
District (Kreis) : Giessen
Additions : 1939 Klein-Linden, Wieseck; 1971 Allendorf/Lahn, Rödgen; 1979 Lützellinden

Official blazon

In Silber ein schwarz geflügelter, blaubewehrter und blaugezungter roter Löwe.

Origin/meaning

The oldest seal of the city dates from 1248 and shows Count Wilhelm von Tübingen, Prince of the Palatine (Pfalz) as a knight on a horse. The city at the time belonged to the Pfalz. After the transfer to Hessen, the next seal (from 1264) shows the Count of Hessen as a mounted knight. In the 14^th century the arms of Hessen appeared on the seal, supported by two dragons or two tree branches. Later seals show the lion of Hessen with a letter G. These seals were in use until the 19^th century. At the same time the winged lion appeared as arms for the city. They were first registered in 1605 in the works of Siebmacher, and have not changed since.