HESSEN
- Alex P
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Hessen can rightfully be called a land of contrasts, where dense forests and vineyards stand side by side with medieval castles and ultra-modern skyscrapers.
HESSEN: THE MOST INTERESTING
Hessen (Hesse) is a region where every town is full of history and unique charm.
The ever-busy, business-minded city of Frankfurt gleams with futuristic towers, while the state capital of Wiesbaden beckons with thermal springs boasting unique healing properties. Wartburg Castle near Eisenach preserves the spirit of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther, and the ancient city of Marburg enchants with its 500-year-old university atmosphere.
The bustling markets, picturesque vineyards, and mystical forests of Hessen never cease to inspire travel and discovery. The atmosphere of medieval romance intertwines with modern dynamism, creating a unique blend of tradition and innovation. This region captivates at first sight and leaves an unforgettable impression.
HESSEN: HISTORY OF THE COAT OF ARMS
The name of the land is associated with the Germanic Hessian tribes, who inhabited this territory before the new era.
A lion of this unusual coloring first appeared on the coat of arms of Count Conrad of Thuringia in 1234. This lion even had a special name: "Colorful Lion" ("Bunter Löwe"). At that time, Thuringia and Hessen were under a single sovereignty, but the idyll didn't last long.
In 1264, Hessen gained independence, partly through war and partly through purchase. Its first ruler, Count Henry I of Hessen, naturally didn't want to give up such a striking, memorable coat of arms. While retaining the coat of arms, he first renamed it the "Hessian Lion."
Do Thuringia and Hessen have identical coats of arms? Not quite. The reader can play a game of "spot the differences." Hint: besides the obvious stars and crown, note the number of red and white stripes and their order.
The state of Hessen acquired its modern form by uniting the territories of the Grand Duchy of Hessen and the Prussian province of Hessen-Nassau.
The coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Hessen directly inherited the "Hessian Lion," but His Serene Highness wished to add additional symbols of rank and dignity to the lion — a royal crown and sword. He was formally entitled to do so. This was done, but it caused a minor scandal. Contemporaries lamented the first fundamental change in 500 years and claimed that the old coats of arms suffered from any innovation.
The coat of arms of the Prussian province of Hessen-Nassau, in addition to the "Hessian Lion," included the coat of arms of the Duchy of Nassau — a golden lion on blue (corresponding to the coat of arms of the Netherlands, as Nassau is a Dutch royal family) — and the coat of arms of the Free City of Frankfurt — a silver eagle on red. To the chagrin of Frankfurt, these were not taken into account when creating the current coat of arms of the state of Hessen.
HESSEN: THE FUN FACTS
After numerous forms of government, the People's State of Hessen emerged after the fall of the monarchy in 1918. The "Hessian Lion" was adopted as a single symbol, but without the crown and sword. The result was brief, clever, but somewhat lacking in substance. Therefore, they decided to add the so-called "people's crown" above the shield. It is made of golden leaves and fruits and is intended to emphasize the people's sovereignty.
The current coat of arms was adopted in 1948 following a competition. The US military administration also participated (it's interesting to see what they proposed), and the main requirement was "preservation of historical traditions and the absence of dynastic and militaristic symbols — crowns, helmets, swords, and oak leaves."
Comments