Erpe-Mere

ERPE-MERE

Province : Oost-Vlaanderen
Additions : 1976 Aaigem, Bambrugge, Burst, Erondegem, Erpe, Mere, Ottergem, Vlekkem

Official blazon

In zilver een leeuw van keel, met voor hem een zwaard van hetzelfde en acht vijfpuntige sterren van lazuur, zoomsgewijze geplaatst.

Origin/meaning

The arms were offiially granted on May 8, 1981.

The arms are a combination of historical elements as well as elements from the arms of the former municipalities.
The silver shield with the sword is derived from the arms of the city of Aalst, as the municipality historically belonged to the territory of the city. The former arms of Bondegem, Mere and Ottergem also showed a sword.

The lion is derived from the arms of the medieval Lords of Erpe. A lion was also part of the arms of Aaigem and Burst.

The 8 stars refer to the former 8 municipalities and are derived from the arms of Aaigem and Vlekkem, as well as the old seal of Erondegem.

In a meeting of November 3, 1977 the local council adopted different arms, although with the same elements. These arms showed a divided shield with a silver sword and in gold a red lion and in the chief eight stars.

After some discussion with the Flemish Heraldic Council, the arms were restructured and finally granted in 1981.